Social Security and Medicare tax rates

What are the maximum taxable earnings amounts and the Social Security tax rate for 2013?


When you have wages or self-employment income covered by Social Security, you paySocial Security taxes each year up to a maximum amount set by law. For 2013, you will pay Social Security taxes on income below $113,700. You must pay Medicare taxes on all income.

Also, beginning in 2013 you must pay 0.9 percent more in Medicare taxes on earned individual income of more than $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly). The tax rates shown below do not include the 0.9 percent:

  • Employees — the Social Security tax rate is 6.2 percent on income under $113,700 through the end of 2013. The Medicare tax rate is 1.45 percent of all income;
  • Employers — the Social Security tax rate is 6.2 percent. The Medicate tax rate is 1.45 percent; and
  • Self-employed —the Social Security tax rate is 12.4 percent on income under $113,700 through the end of 2013. The Medicare tax rate is 2.9 percent.