What is the FICA tax rate for 2026?

The total FICA tax rate for employees is 7.65%: 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare. Employers match this amount, so the full FICA contribution is 15.3% of wages.

Is there a wage base limit for FICA taxes in 2026?

Yes. For 2026, Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to wages up to the Social Security wage base limit. Medicare tax (1.45%) applies to all wages, with an additional 0.9% surtax on wages over $200,000 for single filers.

Are self-employed workers subject to FICA taxes?

Yes. Self-employed individuals pay the full 15.3% self-employment tax (both the employee and employer portions). However, they can deduct half of this (7.65%) from their taxable income.

Can FICA taxes be refunded?

FICA taxes are generally not refundable. However, if you overpaid Social Security tax due to having multiple employers (and exceeding the wage base), the excess can be claimed as a credit on your income tax return.

FICA Taxes Explained 2026: Rates, Limits & How They're Calculated

What is FICA?

FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It's a payroll tax that funds two major federal insurance programs: Social Security and Medicare. FICA taxes are automatically withheld from your paycheck, and your employer also contributes an equal amount.

FICA Tax Rates for 2026

FICA taxes are split between two programs:

Social Security Tax: 6.2% of wages
Medicare Tax: 1.45% of wages
Total FICA Rate: 7.65% of your gross income

These rates apply to all wages, with no income limit for Medicare tax. Social Security tax has a wage base limit of $168,600 for 2026.

Social Security Tax (6.2%)

Social Security is a retirement and disability insurance program. Here's what you should know:

Rate: 6.2% of your gross wages
Wage Base Limit: $168,600 (2026)
Purpose: Funds retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits
Example: On a $60,000 salary, you pay $3,720 in Social Security tax

What this means: Once you earn $168,600, you stop paying Social Security tax for the remainder of the year. High earners don't pay Social Security tax on income above this cap.

Medicare Tax (1.45%)

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. It also covers some younger people with disabilities:

Rate: 1.45% of all wages (no limit)
Purpose: Funds hospital insurance, medical insurance, and prescription drug coverage
Additional Tax: High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wages over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married)
Example: On a $60,000 salary, you pay $870 in Medicare tax

Employer Contribution

Your employer also pays FICA taxes on your behalf:

Employer pays 6.2% Social Security tax
Employer pays 1.45% Medicare tax
Total employer contribution: 7.65%
This is separate from what's withheld from your paycheck

Self-Employment Tax

If you're self-employed, you pay both the employee and employer portions of FICA taxes:

Self-employed individuals pay 15.3% total (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare)
You can deduct half of your self-employment tax
This applies to net self-employment income of $400 or more

Example FICA Calculation

Scenario: Employee earning $75,000 annually

Gross Annual Income: $75,000
Social Security Tax (6.2%): $4,650
Medicare Tax (1.45%): $1,087.50
Total FICA Tax: $5,737.50
Monthly FICA: $478.13

Key Takeaways

FICA is an automatic payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare
The combined rate is 7.65% of your gross wages
Your employer contributes an equal amount
High earners pay additional Medicare tax on wages over $200,000/$250,000
Self-employed workers pay both employee and employer portions
FICA taxes are part of your total tax burden along with federal income tax and state taxes

Calculate Your FICA Taxes

Want to see exactly how much FICA taxes you'll pay? Use our annual tax calculator to see the breakdown of your federal income tax, FICA taxes, and other deductions.