Social Security tax limit for 2027
In 2027, Social Security tax applies to the first $192,300 of earnings. Above that, no more Social Security tax is taken. Medicare tax has no limit.
Social Security and Medicare tax from your pay, 2027
$6,120.00
- Social Security, 6.2% of $80,000
- $4,960.00
- Medicare, 1.45% of all wages
- $1,160.00
The employee's share. Your employer pays the same 6.2% Social Security tax on your wages.
| Figure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Most earnings taxed for Social Security | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Employee tax rate, Social Security and Medicare together | 7.65% | 7.65% |
| Self-employed tax rate | 15.30% | 15.30% |
| Earnings needed for one quarter of coverage | $1,890 | $1,970 |
How the tax is split
The 7.65% rate is two taxes together. The Social Security part is 6.2% on earnings up to the yearly limit. The Medicare part is 1.45% on all earnings. People with earned income of more than $200,000, or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly, pay an additional 0.9% in Medicare taxes.
The most Social Security tax anyone pays in 2027
A worker with wages at or above $192,300 pays $11,922.60 in Social Security tax for 2027, and the employer pays the same amount.
Why the limit matters for your benefit
The same yearly limit applies when earnings are used to compute a benefit, so earnings above it are neither taxed for Social Security nor counted toward it. The limit changes each year with the national average wage index.
Questions people ask
What is the Social Security wage base for 2027?
$192,300, up from $184,500 in 2026.
What is the most Social Security tax an employee pays in 2027?
$11,922.60, which is 6.2% of $192,300. The employer pays the same amount.
Is there a limit on Medicare tax?
No. The 1.45% Medicare tax applies to all earnings, and an additional 0.9% applies to earned income over $200,000, or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Check our work
Every figure on this page was read from these official documents. Follow the links and compare.
- 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact SheetSocial Security Administration. Read on November 12, 2026.
- Contribution and Benefit BaseSocial Security Administration. Read on November 12, 2026.