FICA Tax Calculator
Calculate FICA payroll taxes, including Social Security and Medicare, based on your wages.
What Is the FICA Tax?
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax is a mandatory payroll tax in the United States. It funds two major social programs: Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and Medicare (Hospital Insurance). Both employees and employers share the tax burden, with each party paying an equal portion. Self-employed individuals pay both halves.
This calculator estimates the total FICA tax deducted from your wages, providing a clear breakdown of the Social Security and Medicare components.
How FICA Tax Is Calculated
The calculation applies fixed percentage rates to your gross wages, subject to annual limits set by the Social Security Administration.
Social Security Portion
The Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for employees (matched by employers). This tax only applies to wages up to the annual wage base limit. For 2024, that limit is $168,600. Any earnings above this threshold are not subject to Social Security tax.
Medicare Portion
The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% for employees (matched by employers). Unlike Social Security, there is no wage cap for Medicare tax. All covered wages are taxed at this rate.
Additional Medicare Tax
High earners may be subject to an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9%. This surcharge applies to wages exceeding certain thresholds based on filing status:
- Single: $200,000
- Married filing jointly: $250,000
- Married filing separately: $125,000
The Additional Medicare Tax is paid entirely by the employee; there is no employer match for this portion.
How to Use the FICA Tax Calculator
Enter your gross wages for the pay period. The calculator will apply the standard FICA tax rates and display the amounts withheld for Social Security and Medicare. If your year-to-date wages exceed the Social Security wage base, the calculator will automatically stop applying the Social Security tax.
For accurate results, ensure you enter your wages before any deductions (pre-tax retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, etc.).
Example Calculation
Consider an employee earning $75,000 annually.
- Social Security tax: $75,000 × 6.2% = $4,650
- Medicare tax: $75,000 × 1.45% = $1,087.50
- Total employee FICA contribution: $5,737.50
The employer pays an equal amount, bringing the total FICA tax to $11,475.
Understanding Your Results
The calculator provides a breakdown of your FICA tax liability. The total shown is the amount your employer will withhold from your paycheck. This is not your total tax bill—it only covers Social Security and Medicare. Federal and state income taxes are separate.
If you are self-employed, you are responsible for both the employee and employer portions, totaling 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security + 2.9% for Medicare), plus the Additional Medicare Tax if applicable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using net pay instead of gross wages. FICA tax is calculated on gross wages before any deductions.
- Ignoring the wage base limit. Once your year-to-date earnings exceed the Social Security wage base, no further Social Security tax is withheld.
- Forgetting the Additional Medicare Tax. High earners must account for the extra 0.9% surcharge.
- Confusing FICA with income tax. FICA is a separate payroll tax, not income tax.
Limitations of This Calculator
This calculator provides estimates based on standard FICA tax rates and the current wage base limit. It does not account for:
- State-specific payroll taxes
- Pre-tax deductions that may reduce FICA wages (e.g., Section 125 plans)
- Employer-side tax calculations for self-employed individuals
- Changes to tax rates or wage base limits in future years
For precise payroll calculations, consult a tax professional or use official IRS resources.
Practical Use Cases
- Paycheck planning: Estimate your net pay after FICA deductions.
- Freelance budgeting: Self-employed workers can estimate their total FICA tax liability.
- Employer cost analysis: Understand the total cost of an employee including employer FICA contributions.
- Year-end tax preparation: Verify that your employer has withheld the correct amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FICA tax the same as Social Security tax?
No. FICA tax includes both Social Security and Medicare taxes. Social Security tax is one component of FICA.
Do I get FICA tax back when I file my taxes?
Generally, no. FICA taxes are not refundable like income tax withholdings. However, if you had multiple employers and overpaid Social Security tax (more than the wage base limit was withheld), you can claim a credit on your tax return.
Are bonuses subject to FICA tax?
Yes. Bonuses, commissions, and other supplemental wages are subject to FICA tax at the same rates as regular wages.
What is the FICA tax rate for 2024?
The combined employee rate is 7.65% (6.2% for Social Security + 1.45% for Medicare). The employer rate is also 7.65%. Self-employed individuals pay 15.3%.
Can I opt out of FICA tax?
No. FICA tax is mandatory for most employees. Certain groups, such as some religious organizations and foreign government employees, may be exempt, but these are rare exceptions.