what is max salary for fica
Social Security tax is one part of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax, and it is assessed at a rate of 12.4%. This is split evenly between the employee and employer, and it applies to earned income up to $118,500 for 2016 -- resulting in a maximum Social Security tax of $14,694. The remainder of FICA tax goes to Medicare.
The maximum taxable earnings for Social Security withholding for 2017 are $127,200. This maximum is up from $118,500 for 2016 and 2015. Medicare withholding has no maximum. The maximum withholding amount is adjusted each year by a formula based on cost of living increases.