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FICA Tax Calculator

FICA tax

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute tax advice. Actual taxes may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a tax professional for accurate tax planning.

FICA Tax Calculator

Calculate FICA taxes—the combined Social Security and Medicare taxes that fund retirement and healthcare benefits. Every wage earner pays FICA on earned income.

FICA Tax Rates (2024)

| Component | Employee Rate | Employer Rate | Self-Employed | Social Security6.2%6.2%12.4% Medicare1.45%1.45%2.9% Total FICA7.65%7.65%15.3%

FICA Wage Limits

TaxWage BaseMaximum Tax Social Security$168,600 (2024)$10,453.20 MedicareNo limitNo maximum | Additional Medicare | Over $200k | +0.9% (employee only) |

FICA Tax Calculator

``javascript function calculateFICATax(wages, isSelfEmployed = false) { const ssWageBase = 168600; const ssRate = isSelfEmployed ? 0.124 : 0.062; const medicareRate = isSelfEmployed ? 0.029 : 0.0145; const additionalMedicareThreshold = 200000;

// Social Security (capped at wage base) const ssWages = Math.min(wages, ssWageBase); const socialSecurityTax = ssWages * ssRate;

// Medicare (no cap) const medicareTax = wages * medicareRate;

// Additional Medicare Tax (employee pays, not matched) const additionalMedicare = isSelfEmployed ? Math.max(0, wages - additionalMedicareThreshold) * 0.009 : Math.max(0, wages - additionalMedicareThreshold) * 0.009;

const totalFICA = socialSecurityTax + medicareTax + additionalMedicare;

return { wages, socialSecurityTax: socialSecurityTax.toFixed(2), medicareTax: medicareTax.toFixed(2), additionalMedicare: additionalMedicare.toFixed(2), totalFICA: totalFICA.toFixed(2), effectiveRate: ((totalFICA / wages) * 100).toFixed(2) + '%' }; } ``

FICA Examples

| Wages | SS Tax | Medicare | Total FICA | $50,000$3,100$725$3,825 $100,000$6,200$1,450$7,650 $168,600$10,453$2,445$12,898 | $250,000 | $10,453 | $4,075 | $14,528 |

*Includes Additional Medicare Tax where applicable*

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FICA stand for?

Federal Insurance Contributions Act—the law requiring payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. It was established in 1935 as part of the New Deal. These payroll taxes fund retirement benefits, disability insurance, and Medicare healthcare for seniors.

Do I get FICA taxes back?

Not directly as a refund, but FICA taxes fund benefits you'll receive later. Social Security credits determine your retirement/disability benefits. Medicare taxes fund Part A hospital coverage you'll receive at 65. Unlike income tax, excess FICA withholding isn't refundable (except in rare multi-employer situations).

Why do self-employed pay double FICA?

Self-employed individuals pay both the employee share (7.65%) and employer share (7.65%) for a total 15.3%. However, you can deduct half of self-employment tax from income, partially offsetting the extra cost. This is the 'employer-equivalent' deduction.

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