ssa maximum taxable earnings 2027: trending now

SSA Maximum Taxable Earnings 2027: Limits, Wage Cap Increase, and Key Tax Rules

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maximum taxable earnings limit for 2027 is $192,300, representing an increase of $7,800 (4.23%) from the 2026 cap of $184,500.

Formally designated as the Social Security contribution and benefit base, this statutory threshold establishes the ceiling on earned income subject to the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) payroll tax.

2027 Social Security Tax Rates & Maximum Withholding Breakdown

• Taxable Wage Base Cap: $192,300 (up from $184,500 in 2026)

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• Employee OASDI Tax Rate: 6.2% on covered gross wages up to the $192,300 cap

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• Maximum Employee Withholding: $11,922.60 ($483.60 increase over the 2026 maximum of $11,439.00)

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• Employer Match (FICA): 6.2% matching contribution up to $11,922.60 per covered employee

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• Self-Employed Tax (SECA): 12.4% on net self-employment earnings up to $192,300, setting the maximum OASDI tax at $23,845.20 (an increase of $967.20 over 2026)

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• Medicare Tax (HI): Uncapped; the 1.45% rate (2.9% for self-employed individuals) applies to all covered earnings. High earners remain subject to the Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on compensation exceeding statutory thresholds ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 married filing jointly).

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Who Is Affected by the 2027 Social Security Cap Increase?

• Earners making $184,500 or less: See no change in effective Social Security tax liability, as their full earnings remain below both the prior and updated thresholds.

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• Earners making between $184,500 and $192,300: Pay the standard 6.2% payroll tax on any portion of earnings above $184,500 that was previously untaxed.

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• Earners making $192,300 or more: Absorb the full additional withholding of $483.60 ($967.20 for self-employed filers). Once year-to-date covered earnings cross $192,300, OASDI deductions cease for the remainder of the calendar year.

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