topic Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

null699 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:35:03 GMT

Re: Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

SteamTrain — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:01:07 GMT

Well, don't know of other reasons, but the main one that comes to mind is.

For 2022, On a W-2, Box 3 has a maximum limit value of $147.000 and box 4 a Max of $9114.

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Your wages can be higher, but you don't pay into SS on W-2 income more than $147,000 for 2022.

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For 2023 SS taxes on income earned this year, it will be $160,200 Max income, and $9932.40 SS tax.

Re: Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

Vanessa A — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:07:21 GMT

The maximum social security wages that are taxed for 2022 are $147,000. If you earned more than that, your wages above that would not be taxed. This would make box 1 wages higher than your social security wages.

Re: Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

null699 — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:13:51 GMT

Hi! My wages were apprx. $91000 and social security wages were $4700. I don't have any pre-tax contributions. Straight paycheck. I am just wondering if this affects my refund/owe. Thanks!

Re: Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

null699 — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:49:11 GMT

Hi! My wages were apprx. $91000 and social security wages were $4700. I don't have any pre-tax contributions. Straight paycheck. I am just wondering if this affects my refund/owe. Thanks!

Re: Why would my social security wages be lower than my wages?

SteamTrain — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:57:51 GMT

So...who do you work for.....and did anything change particularly this year?

For instance, some Public workers/teachers/police/firemen etc do not pay into SS because they have a retirement system that works outside of Federal Social Security. Maybe the was a change-over part way thru the year such that some of your income was subject to SS. I think...some Clergy don't normally pay into SS (but not certain).

So...who do you work for, and what is your job entail?

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OR, a major payroll screw-up...REALLY check with your employer.

Perhaps someone programmed their computer to put in the SS wage limit and put in:

..4700 vs 147000

IF so, then they have to re-issue corrected W-2 forms and you should not file until those corrected W-2C forms are issued..