For employees, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2%. Employers match it. If you're self-employed, you pay the full 12.4%, so knowing your rate is key.
1. Know the Tax Rate
Each year, there's a limit on how much income is taxed. For 2024, it's $168,600. Earnings above that amount aren't taxed for Social Security.
2. Check the Income Limit
Social Security tax is based on your gross wages—not your net pay. That means it's calculated before deductions like health insurance or 401(k).
3. Use Your Gross Income
If you work for yourself, you’ll need IRS Schedule SE to figure your Social Security tax. It combines both employee and employer shares in one payment.
4. Self-Employed? Use Schedule SE
Your paycheck shows how much Social Security tax has already been taken out. This is a quick way to track what you’ve paid so far this year.
5. Look at Your Pay Stub
Don’t want to do the math? Tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block calculates Social Security taxes automatically and keeps things error-free.
6. Tax Software Can Help
Even after your benefits are reduced, they may be taxed. If you earn above a certain threshold, part of your benefits might be taxable depending on your income. 4o mini
7. Don’t Confuse With Medicare