Can I increase my Social Security tax withholding from 12% to 22% online, or must I mail in IRS form?

You're absolutely correct. Unfortunately, changing your withholding percentage on Social Security benefits still requires submitting a paper Form W-4V. The SSA hasn't implemented online withholding changes despite modernizing other services. You have two options: mail the completed form to your local Social Security office or drop it off in person. If you drop it off, you don't need an appointment - just leave it at the front desk. Make sure you check the correct percentage box (there should be options for 7%, 10%, 12%, and 22%) and sign/date it. Keep a copy for your records and allow 30-60 days for processing.

i think u can do it over the phone too. I called them last yr to change mine and the lady took care of it no paperwork or nuthin

The SSA is SO BEHIND THE TIMES!!! Every other government agency lets you do everything online but Social Security still wants paper forms for EVERYTHING!!! I've been trying to get my benefits straightened out for MONTHS and it's impossible to reach anyone. Their phone lines disconnect you after waiting 2+ hours and their website is from the dark ages. And don't get me started on their local offices - I've waited 3+ hours just to drop off a form. It's 2025 for crying out loud!!!

I had to do this last year, and yes, you have to submit the paper form. But here's a tip that worked for me - I faxed it instead of mailing it! I found the fax number for my local office on the SSA website (under Office Locator) and sent it that way. They processed my withholding change in about 3 weeks. Just make sure you include your phone number on the cover sheet in case they need to contact you about any issues.

If you're having trouble reaching the SSA by phone to confirm they received your form, try using Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to a real person after weeks of trying. There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. I was skeptical but it actually worked and saved me from having to take time off work to visit the office in person. I used it when I had an issue with my withholding not being processed correctly.

One additional tip about Form W-4V - make sure you're using the current version from irs.gov. The form was updated recently and older versions might be rejected. Also, if you're married and file jointly, your withholding strategy might need more consideration since the 22% withholding might be too much or too little depending on your spouse's income and withholding. You might want to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator tool to make sure 22% is the optimal amount for your situation.

wait are we talking about the same thing?? social security benefits are taxable??? since when?? ive been collecting for 3 years and never paid taxes on it!

Just to add some clarification here: The percentages available for federal tax withholding from Social Security benefits are specific options set by the IRS: 7%, 10%, 12%, and 22% as of 2025. You cannot choose any other percentage. The SSA processes these requests, but they're bound by IRS rules. And yes, this still requires a paper Form W-4V submission - it cannot be done online or by phone. The SSA has been talking about modernizing this process for years, but it remains paper-based for now. Budget wisely while waiting for the withholding change to take effect, as it typically takes 1-2 months to be reflected in your benefits.

My aunt had this same problem last year and ended up paying a big penalty because her withholding was too low. She said going to the SSA office was actually faster than mailing the form. But she went right when they opened in the morning to avoid the long wait times.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago and can confirm everything others have said - it's definitely still paper-only with Form W-4V. One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep track of when you submit it because my first form somehow got lost in processing. I ended up calling after 8 weeks (using that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it really does work!) and they had no record of receiving it. Had to resubmit and it took another 6 weeks to process. So frustrating! Also, once the withholding change goes into effect, double-check your next few benefit statements to make sure they're actually withholding the correct amount. Mine was initially set to 12% instead of the 22% I requested due to a processing error.

As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm it's frustrating but manageable. Here's what worked for me: I downloaded the current Form W-4V from irs.gov (make sure it's the 2025 version), filled it out completely, and took it to my local SSA office first thing in the morning. I got there about 15 minutes before they opened and was in and out in 20 minutes. They gave me a receipt showing they received my form, which was reassuring. The change took about 5 weeks to show up on my benefit statement. One tip - bring a pen and double-check that you've signed and dated the form before you go, as they can't accept unsigned forms. Also, if you have any other SSA business to take care of, do it all in the same visit to save yourself another trip. Good luck!

Just wanted to add another option that might help - if you live near a Social Security office that offers Saturday hours (some do during busy periods), that could be a good alternative to avoid taking time off work. Also, when you submit the W-4V form, ask specifically about getting email confirmation when the change is processed. Some offices are starting to offer that service, though it's not standard everywhere yet. I learned this when I helped my neighbor with her withholding change last month. The whole process is definitely outdated, but at least there are a few small conveniences creeping in at some locations.