FICA Tax Calculator 2026 (Social Security and Medicare)
Enter your wages and filing status to get your 2026 Social Security and Medicare taxes.
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FICA Tax Calculator 2026 (Social Security and Medicare) by TheCalcTools
How the FICA Tax Calculator 2026 (Social Security and Medicare) works
FICA has two parts. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, with no cap. Your employer pays the same amounts again.
The Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies to wages above $200,000 (single and head of household), $250,000 combined (married filing jointly) or $125,000 (married filing separately). Only employees pay it. For joint filers the extra tax is shared in proportion to each spouse’s wages here.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Annual wages | $95000 |
|---|---|
| Filing status (for the Additional Medicare Tax) | Single |
| Spouse's wages (joint filers) | $0 |
- Social Security: 6.2% × $95,000 = $5,890.00.
- Medicare: 1.45% × $95,000 = $1,377.50. Total FICA $7,267.50.
Result:
| Your FICA tax | $7,267.50 |
|---|---|
| Social Security (6.2%) | $5,890.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $1,377.50 |
| Additional Medicare Tax (0.9%) | $0.00 |
| Employer's share (SS + Medicare) | $7,267.50 |
| FICA as a share of wages | 7.65% |
Frequently asked questions
Why did my employer withhold Additional Medicare Tax when we are under $250,000 together?
Employers must withhold it once your own wages pass $200,000, whatever your filing status. Any over- or under-payment is settled on your tax return.
Do 401(k) contributions reduce FICA?
No. Traditional 401(k) deferrals are still subject to Social Security and Medicare. Section 125 cafeteria-plan health premiums are not.
Sources and further reading
- SSA: Contribution and benefit base
- IRS: Questions and answers for the Additional Medicare Tax
- IRS: Topic 751, Social Security and Medicare withholding rates
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. It is not tax or legal advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check current rules or ask a qualified professional. See our disclaimer.