Social Security and W-2c

docs21s — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:18:19 GMT

After entering the third W-2 I was given a notice that the employer withheld too much Social Security and told me to contact them for a refund and a corrected W-2c. The employer withheld 6.2% and the total of withholding is not above the maximum for SS withholding. The message also said I could not file until I received the corrected W-2. Why is this reported as a refund issue and should I really wait to file since the W-2 is correct?

Re: Social Security and W-2c

AamilD — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:57:25 GMT

It depends. While the employer did correctly withhold 6.2%, since you mentioned that you have 3 W-2s, if the combined income of all the 3 W-2s is above the Income threshold, then it mays you have overpaid for Social Security.

For 2021, the maximum Taxable Earnings for Social Security Taxes purposes is $142,800. So if you made more then this threshold when combining all the 3 W-2s, then it means you overpaid. Since you have 3 W-2s, the employers don't know how much you have earned at other positions and hence by default they withhold 6.2%.

For 2021, the maximum social security which can be withheld is $8,853.60 ( $142,800 x 6.2%). Can you please confirm if you have withheld more then $8,853.60 across 3 W-2s.

If you have then depending on the situation, either the excess withholding will be added to your refund or you will have to get a corrected W-2 where the excess withholding will be returned to you.

Please visit Can I get a refund for excess Social Security tax withheld? on more information.

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Social Security and W-2c

Re: Social Security and W-2c