FICA Tax Calculator
Estimate Social Security and Medicare taxes
Illustrative only; rates/bases vary by year and filing status.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your wages
Provide estimated annual wages subject to FICA.
Toggle self-employed if applicable
Self-employed pay both sides of FICA (SE tax), simplified here.
Calculate
View SS tax, Medicare tax, additional Medicare tax, and total.
Formula
SS = min(wages, base) × rate; Medicare = wages × rate; Addl = max(0, wages − threshold) × rate
About FICA Tax Calculator
This FICA Tax Calculator helps employees and self-employed individuals understand Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. FICA consists of two main parts: Social Security (subject to an annual wage base) and Medicare (with no base limit), plus an additional Medicare surtax on higher wages. Employees typically pay 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare, while employers match these amounts. Self-employed individuals pay both sides through self-employment tax, though some of it is deductible for income tax purposes. Because official thresholds and wage bases change annually and vary by filing status for additional Medicare tax, this calculator uses simplified, illustrative values to explain the mechanics. It’s ideal for education, rough planning, and scenario comparisons—not for filing. For accurate calculations, consult IRS guidance and consider payroll software or professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Social Security wage base?
It is the maximum wage amount subject to Social Security tax each year. Wages above it are not taxed for SS.
Do Medicare taxes have a cap?
No, Medicare taxes apply to all wages, with an additional surtax above a threshold.
How does self-employment affect FICA?
Self-employed pay both employee and employer portions (SE tax). A portion may be deductible for income tax.
Is this current law?
Values are illustrative and may differ from the current year. Check IRS guidance for exact numbers.