How to Claim a Refund of Social Security and Medicare Taxes

Sometimes, people find that they have accidentally paid too much into the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. This might be through fault or a misunderstanding on their own end or on the end of their employer. In either case, if this ever happens to you, know that you can claim a refund of the money you’re owed.

Getting Your Refund

The first step, after ensuring you’re eligible for a refund, is to fill out IRS Form 843, which is the Claim for a Refund and Request for Reimbursement Form. When possible, when you send in this form, include a letter from your employer that clarifies whether or not you have been reimbursed anything by your employer and, if so, how much.   

For further verification, include a copy of your W-2 for the tax year in which you are requesting the refund. From there, submit your paperwork to the IRS, preferably via the office where the employer in question files 941 forms since this will expedite the process.

In some cases, you may be asked to provide further documentation or fill out other forms depending on the exact circumstances of your reimbursement request. Just be patient and willing to work with the IRS as needed.

Act Quickly

As a final piece of advice, remember that the IRS does have a statute of limitations on these refunds. Usually, they expire after three years from the date they were owed. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to act quickly and to file for a refund as soon as you realize that you may be entitled to one.

If you have questions along the way or need help filling out the required forms, just contact a tax professional for assistance.