Security Wage Base for 2026
The maximum amount of Social Security taxes paid by employees, employers, and self-employed individuals on earnings is based on the Social Security wage base. For 2026, this wage base is $184,500 (up from $176,000 in 2025). This means that employees and employers will pay up to $11,439 (6.2% of $184,500) for the Social Security tax portion of FICA, or $520.80 more per employee and per employer than in 2025. Self-employed individuals with sufficient earnings will pay up to $22,878 for the Social Security tax portion of self-employment tax. There is no cap on the portion of FICA and self-employment tax for Medicare taxes.
This document is designed for general information only. The information presented in this document should not be construed to be formal legal or tax advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
For more information on this and other topics, please contact Kevin via any of the channels listed below:
📧 kevin@kmckernan.com | 📞 718-317-5007