Social Security Tax Calculator (2026 and 2027)
Social Security tax is 6.2% of your pay up to the wage base, which rises to $192,300 in 2027 from $184,500 in 2026. The most an employee pays in 2027 is $11,922.60. Enter your wages to see your Social Security and Medicare tax, and whether two jobs over-withheld.
Social Security and Medicare tax: 2026 vs 2027
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security wage base | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Maximum Social Security tax, employee (6.2%) | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 |
| Maximum Social Security tax, self-employed (12.4%) | $22,878.00 | $23,845.20 |
| Medicare tax | 1.45% (2.9% self-employed), no cap | Same |
| Additional Medicare Tax | 0.9% over $200,000 ($250,000 joint, $125,000 separate) | Same (not indexed) |
| Earnings for one Social Security credit | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| Earnings for the maximum 4 credits | $7,560 | $7,880 |
The Social Security Administration set the 2027 wage base in its October 2026 cost-of-living announcement (Federal Register, October 26, 2026). It rises with the national average wage index, which grew about 4.2% in 2025. The 6.2% and 1.45% rates are set in the tax code and don't move with inflation.
Social Security tax by salary, 2026 vs 2027
| Salary (one job) | Social Security 2026 | Social Security 2027 | Change | Medicare (single) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,100.00 | $3,100.00 | – | $725.00 |
| $100,000 | $6,200.00 | $6,200.00 | – | $1,450.00 |
| $150,000 | $9,300.00 | $9,300.00 | – | $2,175.00 |
| $184,500 | $11,439.00 | $11,439.00 | – | $2,675.25 |
| $192,300 | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 | +$483.60 | $2,788.35 |
| $200,000 | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 | +$483.60 | $2,900.00 |
| $250,000 | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 | +$483.60 | $4,075.00 |
| $300,000 | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 | +$483.60 | $5,250.00 |
| $500,000 | $11,439.00 | $11,922.60 | +$483.60 | $9,950.00 |
Nothing changes if you earn $184,500 or less: you pay 6.2% of every dollar both years. Only pay above the old cap is newly taxed, so the most an employee pays extra in 2027 is $483.60, and the most a self-employed person pays extra is $967.20. Medicare tax isn't capped, so it doesn't depend on the year.
Two jobs? You may get Social Security tax back
Each employer withholds 6.2% up to the wage base on what it pays you, without knowing about your other job. With $120,000 from one employer and $100,000 from another in 2027, they withhold $13,640.00, but the most you owe is $11,922.60. The $1,717.40 difference is a credit on your 2027 Form 1040 (Schedule 3, excess Social Security tax withheld). If a single employer withholds too much, the employer has to fix it; it can't be claimed on your return. Employers' share isn't refunded.
Self-employed: wages come first
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net profit: 12.4% for Social Security up to the wage base and 2.9% for Medicare on all of it. Wages from a job use up the wage base first, so if you earn $150,000 in wages in 2027, only the next $42,300 of self-employment earnings owes the 12.4%. Half of the self-employment tax is deducted from your income on Schedule 1.
Other Social Security amounts for 2027
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit increase (COLA) | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Earnings test, under full retirement age | $24,480 | $25,560 |
| Earnings test, year you reach full retirement age | $65,160 | $67,920 |
| SSI maximum, individual / couple (monthly) | $994 / $1,491 | $1,029 / $1,544 |
| Substantial gainful activity, non-blind / blind (monthly) | $1,690 / $2,830 | $1,770 / $2,950 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Social Security wage base for 2027?
$192,300, up from $184,500 in 2026. Wages and self-employment earnings above it aren't subject to the 6.2% (12.4% self-employed) Social Security tax. SSA published it in October 2026 together with the 3.6% COLA.
What is the maximum Social Security tax in 2027?
$11,922.60 for an employee (6.2% of $192,300), and your employer pays the same. A self-employed person pays up to $23,845.20 (12.4%). In 2026 the maximums are $11,439 and $22,878.
Does the 2027 wage base change my 2026 tax return?
No. $192,300 applies to wages paid in 2027 and self-employment income for tax years beginning in 2027. Wages paid in 2026 use $184,500, even though you file that return in 2027.
Is there a cap on Medicare tax?
No. Medicare tax is 1.45% of all wages (2.9% if self-employed). An extra 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000, or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly and $125,000 filing separately. Those thresholds aren't adjusted for inflation.
I had two jobs and paid too much Social Security tax. How do I get it back?
Claim the excess as a credit on your Form 1040 (Schedule 3, excess Social Security tax withheld). It only works when the over-withholding comes from two or more employers; if one employer withheld too much, ask that employer to correct it.
How many Social Security credits do I earn?
One credit for each $1,970 of earnings in 2027 ($1,890 in 2026), up to 4 credits a year. Most people need 40 credits, about 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.