Tax Guide · FICA · 2026
What Is FICA Tax? Social Security and Medicare Explained (2026)
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FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It funds Social Security and Medicare. In 2026, employees pay 7.65% of gross wages for the regular employee share: Social Security up to the wage base and Medicare on wages.
FICA at key salary levels
| Salary | Social Security withheld | Medicare withheld | Total FICA |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,480 | $580 | $3,060 |
| $60,000 | $3,720 | $870 | $4,590 |
| $75,000 | $4,650 | $1,088 | $5,738 |
| $100,000 | $6,200 | $1,450 | $7,650 |
| $150,000 | $9,300 | $2,175 | $11,475 |
| $200,000 | $11,439 | $2,900 | $14,339 |
Engine-computed Texas examples use biweekly pay and standard W-4 assumptions. Total FICA includes any modeled Additional Medicare tax where applicable.
Social Security wage base
Social Security tax only applies up to $184,500 in 2026. Income above this limit is exempt from the Social Security employee tax but still subject to regular Medicare withholding.
Additional Medicare Tax
High earners above $200,000 for a single filer can owe Additional Medicare Tax. ExactTakeHome's regular paycheck examples show the modeled withholding available in the engine, but individual tax-return liability can still depend on filing status and household income.
Employer and self-employed contributions
Employers generally match the employee Social Security and regular Medicare contributions. Self-employed workers generally pay both halves through self-employment tax, commonly summarized as 15.3% before wage-base effects and Additional Medicare tax.
See FICA alongside your full paycheck estimate.
Calculate your exact FICA →Frequently Asked Questions
Is FICA tax the same as Social Security tax?
No. FICA includes both Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is one component of FICA.
Do self-employed people pay FICA?
Yes. Self-employed workers generally pay both the employee and employer shares through self-employment tax, commonly summarized as 15.3% before wage-base effects and any Additional Medicare tax.
Can I opt out of FICA?
No. FICA is mandatory for most employees. A small number of worker categories have special statutory exemptions, but most W-2 employees cannot opt out.
Figures and methods are based on official-source data encoded in the calculator. Not tax advice. Review the methodology and consult a qualified professional for your situation.