Taxes

What is FICA

March 20, 2017 • By

Last Updated: March 20, 2017

FICA taxes help provide benefits for retirees, disabled people and children. This contribution helps your parents and grandparents have a secure retirement while securing today and tomorrow for you and your future family. Learn more about FICA.

FICA information

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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. fernando

    do i need to pay fica even idont have sss no IIworked in offshore for 10 years withB1OCS my employer deducted evry check is it legal and im from the Philippines thank you very much for the answer

    • Vonda

      Hi Fernando, thanks for using our blog. Although we can’t refund correctly paid U.S. Social Security taxes and contributions, you still may be able to get benefits based on those tax contributions. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.

      • fernando

        thank you very much to you , i lived now in philippines and i dont have sss number how can i file or where can i get the form for benefits if Im elegible

        • Vonda

          Hi Fernando. We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit in the area for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.

  2. John Majetich

    will I need to continue paying Fica if I quit work and am only drawing from my 401K until able to retire? And what percent if I do?

    • Vonda

      Hi John, thanks for using our blog. If you’re asking about paying Social Security taxes, there is no exemption for paying the Federal Insurance and Self-Employment Contribution Acts (FICA and SECA) payroll taxes that fund the Social Security and Medicare systems. As long as you work in a job that is covered by Social Security, FICA taxes will be withheld from your paycheck. The same goes if you remain actively self-employed.

  3. Charlotte Young

    I would like to arrange to have a percentage of my Social Security payment pay my taxes during the year.

  4. khemraj gopie

    when i retire at 63 and still working how much i am allowed to work for not to pay taxes

    • Vonda VanTil, Public Affairs Specialist

      Hi Khemraj. If you’re asking about Social Security retirement benefits, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Monthly benefits are reduced if you start them any time before your “full retirement age”. Your full retirement age depends on your date of birth. It may be between age 66 and 67. This could affect the amount of your benefits and when you want the benefits to start.

      The Benefits Planner: Retirement provides detailed information about Social Security retirement benefits.

  5. sis

    Also – read Helvering vs Davis. SS is unconstitutional but the Supremes decided otherwise.

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  7. Joel W Hooks

    A good overview. Is there an age limit where FICA taxes are not taken from the worker or their employer?

    • Luis A., Public Affairs Specialist

      Hi Joel. Thanks for your question. The Federal Insurance and Self-Employment Contribution Acts (FICA and SECA) require the withholding of taxes from wages of all employed people, and the net earnings of most self-employed people, for the Social Security and Medicare programs. Therefore, you will continue to pay taxes regardless of age. We hope this helps.

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  9. ROBERT C HUDGINS

    I need to start withholding taxes from Social Security Check. I do I get it done. Thank you.

    • Ann Clifton, Public Affairs Specialist

      Hi, Robert. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.

  10. Ethel white

    I need help in getting Social security to stop taking federal taxes out of my check. I call last year January 2018 and they want stop. Please help

    • Vonda VanTil, Public Affairs Specialist

      Hi Ethel, sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with Social Security. To stop your withholding, you’ll need a Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. Sign the form and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.

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