Latest News
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 exceeding that amount will escape the tax. This limit changes annually based on the National Average Wage Index, with this year’s limit increasing more than 4% from 2024. While it sounds like a simple “fix” to increase program revenue, the argument has other dimensions. One of the most significant arguments is whether to factor the additional tax paid into the benefit calculation, thus negating some net revenue increase, or exclude the additional tax paid, thus further severing the relationship between contributions and benefits.
In any event, a post today by Benzinga’s AJ Fabino on Yahoo!Finance provides an interesting issue analysis, using billionaire Elon Musk as a reference point. Check the article out here.