Definition
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is the payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare. As an employee, you pay 6.2% of wages for Social Security (up to the annual wage base — $176,100 in 2026) and 1.45% for Medicare (no wage cap), for a combined rate of 7.65%. Your employer matches this amount.
FICA taxes are calculated separately from federal income tax and are not affected by your W-4 withholding instructions. They're a flat percentage of your gross wages regardless of filing status, deductions, or credits.
High earners may also owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). This additional Medicare tax is withheld by your employer automatically when wages cross the threshold.
How this affects your W-4
Your W-4 does not control FICA taxes — those are withheld at fixed rates regardless of what you put on your W-4. OBBBA 2026 deductions (tip income, overtime) do not reduce FICA — they only reduce federal income tax withholding.
The calculator shows your FICA withholding separately in the take-home breakdown so you can see the full picture of what leaves your paycheck.
See how fica affects your withholding
Use the free W-4 calculator to calculate your exact withholding with your specific situation.
Open the W-4 Calculator →Related terms
Social Security Tax
The 6.2% payroll tax withheld on wages up to the annual wage base to fund Social Security benefits.
Medicare Tax
The 1.45% payroll tax withheld from all wages to fund Medicare — no wage cap.
Additional Medicare Tax
An extra 0.9% Medicare tax on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).