What Is FICA?
Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax: 7.65% deducted from paychecks for Social Security and Medicare.
Definition
FICA is the US payroll tax funding Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), totaling 7.65% deducted from employee paychecks. Employers match this amount. Self-employed pay both halves (15.3%) via SECA. Social Security tax applies up to a wage base ($168,600 in 2026); Medicare applies to all earnings, with an additional 0.9% surtax on income above $200,000 single / $250,000 married. FICA is separate from federal and state income tax.
Example
On a $5,000 paycheck: $310 Social Security + $72.50 Medicare = $382.50 FICA deducted.
Use It
Try the Paycheck CalculatorRelated Terms
Gross IncomeTotal earnings before any taxes, deductions, or withholdings are subtracted.Net Income (Take-Home Pay)What is left of your paycheck after taxes, FICA, and any pre-tax deductions are subtracted.Marginal Tax RateThe tax rate applied to your last (highest) dollar of income, not your entire income.