Letter 12C questioned withholding/refund

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

Why would the IRS question Federal withholding from Social Security retirement benefits?

If you have Federal withholding from Social Security retirement benefits, it is reported by SSA to the IRS.

Is there something additional needed when filing with Turbotax that would prevent this extra effort and delay in receiving your over withheld tax? If you need to attach your forms SSA-1099-SM to your original filing, why doesn't Turbotax guide you to do so? How do you do it?

[CatinaT1]

It might not be your Social Security Withholding they are questioning. It's hard to speculate on what they are reviewing or verifying. It's possible the IRS received additional income not reported, which can be an indicator of fraud. Or it could be completely random.

You can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to see if they can provide any additional information.

Understanding Your Letter 12C

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

The reply was of no use whatsoever!!

How do you attach documents to your filing using turbotax?

WHY didn't turbotax guide me to do so?

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

It was specifically the withholding from Social Security retirement benefits.

[VolvoGirl]

Oh you said over withheld tax.  Did you also have any W2 income?  Did you claim excess ss withholding?  Check 1040 Schedule 3 line 11 which goes to 1040 line 31.

You get excess SS back if you had more than 1 employer and those employers took out more than the max for Social Security tax in W2 box 4.  For 2023 the max for Social Security is $9,932.40 on $160,200 of wages (160,200 x 6.2%).  And it is for each spouse separately if married.

[JulieS]

No, you can't attach documents to your e-filed tax return, and it's not required. 

If the letter specifically says that you need to supply a copy of your Social Security statement to document the withholding, that what you should do. 

I do agree that's not something they should need a paper copy to document. Is it possible the amount entered in your tax return doesn't match the amount withheld?

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

WHY can you NOT attach pdf's, etc to your electronically filed tax return using turbotax? Other filing software allow this and sometimes, IT IS NECESSARY.

[VolvoGirl]

What would you need to attach?  If the IRS has any questions they will mail you a letter like they did.  

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

Over withheld tax referred to more tax withheld than was due, period.

[DawnC]

The IRS does not want documents attached to an electronic tax filing.   Everything necessary to file your return is included in the electronic file.   

The IRS can, and does periodically, request documentation for amounts reported on your tax return.   You can upload documents in response to an IRS notice, phone conversation or in-person visit. 

IRS Doc Upload Tool

To upload your documents and verify your identity, you’ll need to enter:

• An access code (if provided), or the number and title of the notice or letter
• Your first and last name
• Social Security, Individual Taxpayer Identification (ITIN) or Employer Identification (EIN) number

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

So that you don't experience the same delay and aggravation the following year in receiving the money due back to you!!!

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

Not a helpful nor proactive response. 

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

Poor response. But thank you.

[jlsmjsfreeturb]

This did not help but thank you for responding.