Report flags / W-2
NUMBERS“Social Security tax doesn't match Social Security wages”
What this flag on a W-2 means, why it matters, and what to check.
What it means
Box 4 isn't 6.2% of box 3.
Why it matters
Raising the wages in box 3 without changing box 4 is a common edit, and the 6.2% rule exposes it.
Ordinary explanations
- A difference of a dollar or two from rounding across a year of paychecks (that's not flagged).
What to check
Ask the applicant for the IRS wage and income transcript (free at irs.gov or with Form 4506-T), which lists W-2 amounts as the employer reported them.
A flag is a reason to verify with the source, not proof. Apply the same steps to every applicant.
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