Estimate the employer's share of 2026 federal payroll taxes (FICA) for one or more employees. Social Security is 6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base; Medicare is 1.45% on all wages.
Direct answer
In 2026 the employer pays 6.2% Social Security on wages up to $184,500 and 1.45% Medicare on all wages — a 7.65% rate up to the cap, then 1.45% above it. This calculator totals the employer half across your entered employees.
Figures reflect 2026 IRS FICA rates and wage base (source: IRS; retrieved 2026-08-11). Estimates only.
Estimated 2026 employer payroll taxes (FICA)
Social Security (6.2% to $184,500 cap): $4,030
Medicare (1.45% uncapped): $943
Total employer FICA: $4,973
Covers federal FICA only. Excludes employee withholding, SUTA/FUTA, and the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax (employee-side).
This calculator provides estimates for educational use only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures are based on current IRS rules — verify against IRS.gov or consult a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
The employer matches the employee: 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to the $184,500 wage base, plus 1.45% Medicare tax on all wages (no cap). So the employer half is 7.65% up to the cap, then 1.45% above it. The employee pays the same, for a combined 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare).
The 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax is withheld from the employee only, on wages above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (joint). Employers do not pay a matching 0.9% — but they must withhold it from the employee once wages exceed $200,000, regardless of filing status.
This calculator covers federal FICA (Social Security + Medicare) only. State unemployment insurance (SUTA) and the federal FUTA tax are separate, vary by state and experience rating, and are not included.