Credits we check · United States

Did you overpay Social Security tax?

RefundSift checks your United States tax situation for the excess Social Security tax refund. Here is what it is, in plain language, with links to the official IRS pages.

Who qualifies

• You had two or more employers in one year and together they withheld more Social Security tax than the annual maximum.
• If a single employer withheld too much, that employer should fix it (or you use Form 843), not your tax return.

How much

The excess over the yearly maximum is claimed as a credit on your Form 1040 (Schedule 3). On a joint return each spouse figures it separately.

How far back you can claim

To claim a refund on Form 1040-X, the IRS says you generally must file within 3 years after the date you filed the original return, or 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

Official sources

• Topic 608, Excess Social Security and RRTA tax withheld (IRS)
• File an amended return (IRS)

Not tax advice. This page is general information based on the official sources above, which can change. Rules and amounts depend on your full situation and the tax year. Check the official source or a qualified professional before you claim.