Social Security & Medicare Calculator

Calculate your FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes, including both employee and employer contributions for Social Security and Medicare.

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute accounting, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized advice. Tax year: 2026.

Enter Your Salary Details

Gross Annual Salary ($)

Employee Status

FICA Tax Breakdown

Employee SS (6.2%)

Employee Medicare (1.45%)

Employer SS (6.2%)

Employer Medicare (1.45%)

Total Employee FICA

Total Employer FICA

Wage Base Limit$168,600 (2026)

SS Rate (Employee)6.2%

SS Rate (Employer)6.2%

Medicare Rate1.45% (no wage limit)

FICA Contribution Comparison

Understanding FICA Taxes

FICA taxes fund two major federal programs: Social Security and Medicare. These taxes are split between employees and employers, with each party paying equal shares.

Social Security

Social Security provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The tax rate is 6.2% for both employees and employers, applied to income up to the annual wage base limit ($168,600 in 2026).

Medicare

Medicare provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. The tax rate is 1.45% for both employees and employers, with no wage base limit.

Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions of FICA taxes (15.3% total), which is commonly referred to as the "self-employment tax." However, they can deduct the employer portion when calculating their income tax.

Example Cases

Example 1: Employee, $60,000 Annual Salary

Employee SS: $3,720 (6.2%), Employee Medicare: $870 (1.45%), Total Employee: $4,590, Employer SS: $3,720, Employer Medicare: $870, Total Employer: $4,590

Example 2: Self-Employed, $180,000 Annual Income

SS capped at $168,600: $10,453.20, Medicare on full $180,000: $2,610, Total Self-Employment Tax: $13,063.20 (15.3% effective rate)

Calculation Methodology

Data Source: IRS Publication 15, Social Security Administration

Last Updated: July 2026

Social Security tax is 6.2% of wages up to $168,600 (2026 wage base). Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages with no cap. High earners ($200k+ single, $250k+ married) may pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax.

IRS Publication 15 - Employer's Tax Guide

Social Security Wage Base

Frequently Asked Questions

The combined FICA tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security + 2.9% for Medicare), split equally between employees and employers at 7.65% each.

Yes, Social Security tax only applies to income up to the annual wage base limit ($168,600 in 2026). Once you earn above this amount, you stop paying Social Security tax for the year.

Self-employed individuals pay the full 15.3% (both employee and employer portions), but they can deduct the employer portion (7.65%) when calculating their taxable income.

High-income earners may pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).