Reviewed by the PayStubPro Payroll Standards Team
Quick answer
Social Security withholding is 6.2% of wages up to an annual limit, and Medicare withholding is 1.45% of all wages. Employers match these amounts, so the total contribution is double what appears on the employee’s stub.
Wage base and thresholds
Social Security tax applies only up to a yearly wage base; earnings above it are not subject to the 6.2%. Medicare has no wage cap, and an additional Medicare tax applies to high earners.
Employer matching
For every dollar withheld from the employee for FICA, the employer contributes an equal amount. This match is not shown as a deduction on the employee stub.
Current rates and limits are published by the IRS and Social Security Administration.
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