FICA tax
Social Security insolvency is fixable
Not a day goes by that we don’t see some media posts about Social Security going bankrupt. Yes, the Social Security Trust fund is facing an insolvency issue in the coming years; however, it is fixable. One fixable item is…
The Debate on Social Security’s Taxable Maximum Continues
One of the common targets in the search for meaningful Social Security reform involves the Taxable Maximum–the amount of earnings subject to the employer/employee 6.2% matching payroll tax levy. This year, the maximum is set at $176,100, meaning that earnings…
“Fixing” Social Security has a Wide Range of Options to Consider
We’ve mentioned many perspectives on the best ways to address the looming Social Security insolvency crisis on this website. In a recent post on nasdaq.com, columnist The Motley Fool’s Matt Frankel covers a list of 16 possible ways to put…
Candidate Trump Offers a Glimpse of Potential Tax Strategy
In his June 9 Las Vegas rally, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced his intent, if elected, to exempt tip income from “federal taxation.” Left undefined, though, is whether he’s referring to federal income tax or FICA tax (the…
Ask Rusty – Why Must I Pay Into Social Security when I’m Collecting Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am collecting full Social Security benefits at age 72 and also working full time. Why is the Federal Government still taking money from my paycheck? I have written to Social Security experts on this issue, and they…
Bill Introduced to Eliminate Federal Income Tax on Social Security Benefits
Last week, Rep. Angela Craig (D-MN) introduced a House Bill intended to accomplish two tax-related objectives having an impact on Social Security. Social Security Chief Actuary, Stephen C. Goss, subsequently assessed the financial effects of the proposed Bill, noting that…
FICA Taxes Explained
Even though it’s the basis for one’s eventual Social Security benefits– retirement benefits, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, disability benefits, and so on–there are a few points relative to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes that many folks do not fully understand.…
Paying FICA Tax While Drawing Social Security Benefits
Many folks remain in the workforce after claiming their Social Security retirement benefits, some on a part time basis, some full time. Often one of their beliefs is that continuing to be subject to the payroll tax—the FICA tax—will increase…
Social Security Payroll Tax Cut Now in the News
Even as the talk of an increase in the Social Security Tax rate (also popularly known as FICA tax) to fund the program expansion advocated by H.R. 860 (The Social Security 2100 Act) unfolds in Congress, conversation has emerged in…
Social Security 2100: The Coming Debate
It’s probably no secret to our site visitors that Social Security’s future is entering the home stretch toward an insecure future–a future in which benefits could face cuts in the neighborhood of 20-25%, depending on which pundit you subscribe to. That…