If you are working, there is a limit on the amount of your earnings that is taxable by Social Security. This amount is known as the “maximum taxable earnings” and changes each year.
The maximum taxable earnings have changed over the years, as shown in the chart below. If you earned more than the maximum in any year, whether in one job or more than one, we only use the maximum to calculate your benefits.
When you have more than one job in a year, each employer must withhold Social Security taxes from your wages. This applies no matter what other employers have already withheld. When this happens, the total Social Security taxes withheld could exceed the maximum limit. When you file your tax return the following year, you can claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for Social Security taxes withheld that exceeded the maximum amount.
Maximum Taxable Earnings Each Year
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $118,500 |
| 2016 | $118,500 |
| 2017 | $127,200 |
| 2018 | $128,400 |
| 2019 | $132,900 |
| 2020 | $137,700 |
| 2021 | $142,800 |
| 2022 | $147,000 |
| 2023 | $160,200 |
| 2024 | $168,600 |