The amount in box 1 and box 3 is different on my W2, but the amounts are the same on my husband's.

[ValerieE · Accepted solution]

The amounts in box 1 and box 3 of your W-2 will be different if you had a pre-tax deduction.  Some pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income (box 1) and your social security income (box 3).  Other pre-tax deductions only reduce your taxable income (box 1).  If you have a deduction that only reduces your taxable income then the amounts in box 1 and box 3 will be different.  Generally these pre-tax deductions are listed in either box 12 or box 14.  You can calculate the difference between box 1 and box 3 and see if the amount matches any amounts in box 12 or box 14.  If they do not you can also contact your employer to ask which deductions are being deducted from your federal income and not your social security income.

[aesitil]

What if you have 2 W2's and box 1 and box 3 are the same amount on each one?

[ValerieE]

Are the two W2's from the same employer?

[wolf570]

Box 3 is less box 1.  Don't know why.   Box 4 was calculated based on box 1.   Turbo tax says Box 4 should be  calculated using box 3.   Difference is $100.    Who is right and why is Box 3 less than Box 1? 

 Tom

[wolf570]

Box 3 is less box 1.  Don't know why.   Box 4 was calculated based on box 1.   Turbo tax says Box 4 should be  calculated using box 3.   Difference is $100.    Who is right and why is Box 3 less than Box 1? 

[Irene2805]

Box 1 will be smaller than Box 3 when you have deductions that reduce your taxable income, for example contributions to your employer's retirement plan/401k.  You can usually find an explanation of the amount subtracted listed in Box 12, with the explanation code.

Box 4 (Social security tax withheld) should be calculated on Box 3 (Social security wages).  [TurboTax is correct.]

Please see this article on what to do if too much Social Security tax is withheld:  Can I get a refund for excess Social Security tax withheld?