The Social Security wage base has increased from $176,100 to $184,600 for 2026, which increases the maximum individual contribution by 4.77%.
2025 vs. 2026
Social Security and Medicare Contributions
| DESCRIPTION | 2025 | 2026 | 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 | $176,100 |
$184,500 | 4.77% |
| Maximum social security tax for employees | $10,918.20 | $11,439.00 | 4.77% |
| 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 2026 Social Security Administration Fact Sheet and get the latest federal tax and budgeting details on our blog.
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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.