Social Security Tax Calculator 2026
Social Security tax in 2026: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 wage base (employee + employer each pay). Self-employed pay both halves (12.4%) but get half deducted as business expense. This tool computes exact SS tax for W-2 employees and self-employed taxpayers.
2026 Wage Base and Rates
Social Security wage base 2026: $176,100 (up from $168,600 in 2025). SS tax rate 6.2% employee + 6.2% employer = 12.4% combined. Medicare: 1.45% employee + 1.45% employer + 0.9% additional Medicare on high earners (employee-only). Self-employed pay both sides via Schedule SE.
Self-Employment Tax Math
Schedule SE: 92.35% of net SE income × (12.4% SS + 2.9% Medicare) = total SE tax. Get to deduct 50% of SE tax on Form 1040 as adjustment to income. Effective rate at 24% income tax bracket: ~12-14% net after deduction. S-corp election can reduce SE tax if income > $80-100K.
Additional Medicare Tax
0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on wages + SE income above $200K single / $250K joint. Employer withholds at $200K threshold regardless of filing status. Reconcile on Form 8959. Stacks on top of regular Medicare tax (1.45%) — total 2.35% above threshold for W-2 employees.
Source: SSA Cost-of-Living Adjustment 2026, IRS Pub 15-A, IRS Form 8959. Last updated: May 2026.