FICA Tax Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on these results.
The two taxes behind every FICA line item
FICA combines two separate payroll taxes: Social Security (capped at an annual wage base) and Medicare (uncapped, with an additional rate kicking in above a higher income threshold).
Worked example
For $250,000 in gross wages, a $168,600 Social Security wage base, and a $200,000 additional Medicare threshold:
Social Security = min(250000, 168600) x 6.2% = 10,453.20
Medicare = 250000 x 1.45% = 3,625.00
Additional Medicare = (250000 - 200000) x 0.9% = 450.00
Total FICA = 14,528.20 total FICA tax
Social Security tax stops applying entirely once wages exceed the annual wage base (adjusted by the IRS most years), while Medicare tax has no cap at all and instead adds an extra 0.9% once wages cross a separate, higher threshold - always verify the current year's exact figures, since both amounts are adjusted periodically.
This is an informational estimate only, not tax advice - consult a tax professional or the IRS directly for current-year figures and your specific situation.