Payroll Tax Refund Calculator 2026
Estimate your potential FICA overpayment refund if you had multiple jobs, were over-withheld by your employer, or are self-employed. Uses the latest 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500.
If you worked multiple jobs in 2026 and your combined earnings exceeded $184,500, each employer likely withheld Social Security tax independently — meaning you may have overpaid. This calculator helps you estimate your payroll tax refund so you can reclaim what is rightfully yours on IRS Form 1040 (Schedule 3, Line 11) or Form 843.
Enter gross wages and Social Security tax withheld for each employer.
How to Use the Payroll Tax Refund Calculator
Select Your Scenario
Choose Multiple Employers if you held more than one job, Single Employer if one employer over-withheld, or Self-Employed if you paid self-employment tax.
Enter Your Wage & Withholding Details
Input the gross wages earned and exact Social Security / Medicare taxes withheld from each employer. Find these on your W-2, Box 3–6.
Click "Calculate My Refund"
The calculator instantly computes what you should have paid versus what was withheld, showing your estimated overpayment and potential refund amount.
Claim Your Refund
Use the results when filing IRS Form 1040 (Schedule 3, Line 11) or Form 843 for single-employer over-withholding.
Payroll Tax Refund Formulas for 2026
Social Security Tax Overpayment (Multiple Employers)
Where $184,500 is the 2026 Social Security wage base limit and 6.2% is the employee share of Social Security tax.
Maximum Social Security Tax per Employee
Additional Medicare Tax Threshold
Thresholds: $200,000 (Single / HoH), $250,000 (MFJ), $125,000 (MFS).
Self-Employment Tax Calculation
Worked Examples
Example 1: Two Jobs — Social Security Overpayment
- Job A: $120,000 wages → SS withheld = $120,000 × 6.2% = $7,440
- Job B: $90,000 wages → SS withheld = $90,000 × 6.2% = $5,580
- Total SS withheld: $7,440 + $5,580 = $13,020
- Correct SS tax: min($210,000, $184,500) × 6.2% = $11,439
Example 2: Three Jobs — Larger Overpayment
- Job A: $95,000 → SS = $5,890
- Job B: $72,000 → SS = $4,464
- Job C: $55,000 → SS = $3,410
- Total SS withheld: $5,890 + $4,464 + $3,410 = $13,764
- Correct SS tax: min($222,000, $184,500) × 6.2% = $11,439
Example 3: Self-Employed — Overpaid Estimated SE Tax
- Net SE income: $160,000
- Taxable SE income: $160,000 × 92.35% = $147,760
- SE tax owed: ($147,760 × 12.4%) + ($147,760 × 2.9%) = $18,322.24 + $4,285.04 = $22,607.28
- SE tax paid via estimated payments: $25,000
2026 Payroll Tax Rates — Quick Reference
| Tax Component | Employee Rate | Employer Rate | Wage Base / Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security (OASDI) | 6.2% | 6.2% | $184,500 |
| Medicare (HI) | 1.45% | 1.45% | No limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | N/A | $200,000 (Single) |
| Total FICA (employee) | 7.65% | 7.65% | Up to SS wage base |
| Self-Employment Tax | 15.3% (combined) | $184,500 (SS portion) | |
| FUTA | N/A | 6.0% (0.6% net) | $7,000 |
Important Tips for Claiming Your Payroll Tax Refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a payroll tax refund?
A payroll tax refund is a refund of overpaid FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). This most commonly occurs when an employee works for multiple employers in a single year and the combined wages exceed the Social Security wage base ($184,500 in 2026). Each employer withholds Social Security tax independently, potentially causing excess withholding beyond the annual maximum of $11,439.
How do I know if I overpaid Social Security tax?
Add up the Social Security tax withheld from all your W-2 forms (Box 4). If the total exceeds $11,439 for 2026, you have overpaid. This typically happens when your combined wages from multiple jobs exceed the $184,500 wage base.
How do I claim excess Social Security tax on my tax return?
Report the excess on Schedule 3, Line 11 of your Form 1040. The credit flows to Form 1040, Line 21, reducing what you owe or increasing your refund. You must have W-2 forms from at least two employers showing Social Security wages to qualify for this credit.
What is Form 843 and when do I use it?
IRS Form 843 is used to claim a refund of excess FICA tax when a single employer over-withheld and did not refund it to you. Attach copies of your W-2 and a statement from the employer confirming they cannot process the refund. Mail it separately from your income tax return.
Do employers get a payroll tax refund too?
Yes. Employers who overpay their share of FICA or FUTA taxes can file Form 941-X (Adjusted Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return) or Form 843 to claim a refund or apply it as a credit to future tax periods.
Is there a wage base limit for Medicare tax?
No. Unlike Social Security, Medicare tax has no wage base limit. All earned income is subject to the 1.45% Medicare tax. Additionally, the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies to wages exceeding $200,000 (Single), $250,000 (MFJ), or $125,000 (MFS).
What is the Additional Medicare Tax and does it affect my refund?
The Additional Medicare Tax is a 0.9% surtax on wages exceeding certain thresholds. Employers must withhold it once wages pass $200,000 regardless of filing status. If you file jointly and the threshold is $250,000, you may be owed a refund of the Additional Medicare Tax withheld between $200,000 and $250,000.
Can self-employed workers get a payroll tax refund?
Yes. Self-employed individuals pay self-employment (SE) tax at 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings. If estimated tax payments exceeded the actual SE tax liability, the overpayment appears as a refund or credit on Form 1040. Additionally, the employer-equivalent portion (50%) is deductible on Schedule 1.
How long does it take to receive a payroll tax refund from the IRS?
If claimed on your Form 1040 via e-filing with direct deposit, expect your refund within 21 days. Paper-filed returns or Form 843 claims can take 6–8 weeks or longer. Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool to track your status.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
For the 2026 tax year, the Social Security wage base is $184,500, up from $176,100 in 2025. This means the maximum Social Security tax an employee pays is $184,500 × 6.2% = $11,439.
Can I claim a payroll tax refund for previous years?
Yes. You generally have 3 years from the date the return was filed (or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later) to file a claim for refund. Use Form 1040-X for amended returns or Form 843 for specific refund requests.
What happens if I don't claim my excess Social Security tax?
If you do not claim the excess on your tax return, you forfeit the refund. The IRS does not automatically refund overpaid Social Security tax — you must actively claim it. Tax software like TurboTax and H&R Block typically flag this if you enter multiple W-2s.