The Social Security tax limit, also called the wage base, is the most income subject to the Social Security portion of payroll tax in a year. For 2026 it is $184,500. Earnings above that are not taxed for Social Security.
Social Security wage base by year
| Year | Wage base | Maximum employee tax (6.2%) | Maximum self-employed (12.4%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $184,500 | $11,439 | $22,878 |
| 2025 | $176,100 | $10,918 | $21,836 |
| 2024 | $168,600 | $10,453 | $20,906 |
| 2023 | $160,200 | $9,932 | $19,865 |
How it works
- Employees and employers each pay 6.2% on wages up to the limit.
- Self-employed people pay both halves, 12.4%, through self-employment tax.
- Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages with no limit, plus 0.9% above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
- If you have more than one job, each employer withholds up to the limit; you can claim back any excess on your return.
Because of the limit, a high earner’s paycheck rises once they pass $184,500: Social Security withholding stops for the rest of the year.