2021 FICA Increase

Written by GreenSlate | Dec 23, 2020 4:15:00 PM

The Social Security wage base has increased from $137,700 to $142,800 for 2021, which increases the maximum individual contribution by $316.20.

The Medicare tax rate for 2021 remains at 1.45% of all covered earnings for employers and employees.
The Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies to earned income of more than $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Employers are required to withhold the additional 0.9% on covered wages in excess of $200,000, but there is no employer matching contribution.

2020 vs. 2021
Social Security and Medicare Contributions

DESCRIPTION	2020	2021	INCREASE
Social security tax rate for employers	6.20%	6.20%	0
Social security tax rate for employees	6.20%	6.20%	0
Social security wage base	$137,700	$142,800	$5,100
Maximum social security tax for employees	$8,537.40	$8,853.60	$316.20
Medicare tax rate for employers	1.45%	1.45%	0
Medicare tax rate for employees	1.45%	1.45%	0
Medicare tax rate on employee’s wages over $200,000*	2.35%	2.35%	0
Medicare wage base	No Limit	No Limit	N/A

*Employers are required to withhold an additional 0.9% from employee wages in excess of $200,000, but there is not a matching increase on the employer contribution.

View the 2021 Social Security Administration Fact Sheet here.

Last updated 12.22.20. This information in this communication is general in nature, and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice rendered by GreenSlate, LLC. The reader should contact his or her attorney, CPA, or tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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