This is one in a continuing series on the 2008 Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, which employers must generally furnish to employees no later than February 2, 2009. Forms mailed on the due date are considered furnished if properly addressed. Employers unable to meet that deadline may file a request for extension of time to furnish the forms. Today we review Box 4, social security tax withheld.

Box 4 shows the total amount of employee social security tax withheld, including the amount withheld on tips. It does not include any employer contribution toward social security on the employee’s behalf. Since the 2008 rate was 6.2% and the taxable wage base was $102,000, the amount in this box should not exceed $6,324. If the employer paid the employee’s share of such taxes rather than withholding them, the tax must be grossed up and included in boxes 1, 3, and 5.

The next topic in this continuing series will be Box 5, Medicare wages and tips. Contact Vision Payroll with any questions on the 2008 Form W-2.