Payroll Taxes (2020 and 2021)

As the name implies, federal income taxes are used to support the activities of the federal government. Some of the larger expenditures include the military, energy exploration, education, science, and human services.

Generally, the amount of tax paid increases as gross income increases. That is a general rule, because income taxes are based on adjusted gross income, which accounts for all sources of income as well as tax deductions. After all adjustments to income are made, tax tables, or tax brackets, are used to calculate the actual federal income tax liability.

Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, or FICA, approximately 15.3% of an employee's earned income is paid into the two components of FICA: Social Security and Medicare. If you're a salaried employee, then your employer is responsible for paying half of all the FICA taxes due. For many individuals, that means paying around 7.65% of gross income into these two programs. Individuals with incomes in excess of $200,000 will pay an even higher percentage.

Social Security

While Social Security is typically thought of as a source of retirement income, it also provides income to the disabled, health care insurance for the aged, and unemployment compensation. There is a limit to the Social Security tax an individual is required to pay each year. For example, in 2020 the limit is $8,537.40, and that is based on a 6.2% tax on the $137,700 income limit. In 2021, the limit increases to $8,853.60 which is based on a 6.2% tax on the $142,800 limit.

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program for individuals age 65 and older, or persons with certain disabilities. Unlike Social Security, there is no income limit on Medicare payroll taxes. For many individuals, that means paying 1.45% of gross income into the Medicare fund to pay for these important services.

Wages paid in excess of $200,000 for single filers and in excess of $250,000 for married filers in 2013 through 2021 will be subject to an extra 0.9% tax.

Individuals living in the states of Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, don't need to worry about state-level income taxes because they have none. For the rest of Americans, there is a complex set of tax brackets and income tax rates that apply to each state.

As is the case with federal income taxes, state income taxes are paid after taking credit for deductions or exclusions. For a brief overview of this topic, take a look at our publication: State Income Taxes.

In general, most of the larger cities across the United States charge a municipal income tax or city tax. The rates of certain cities can be quite high. For example, New York City charges a payroll tax in the area of 3%. Unlike federal and state taxes, individuals are usually charged municipal income taxes based on where they work and not where they live.

For example, if Ann lives in New Jersey and works in New York City, then she will pay federal income taxes, New Jersey state income taxes, and city taxes are owed to New York City.