How much of your earnings is taxed towards Social Security?

The amount of earnings that is subject to Social Security tax is capped at a specific threshold, which is adjusted annually for inflation. As of 2023, this cap is set at $147,000. This means that only earnings up to this threshold are subject to the Social Security tax rate, which is currently 6.2% for employees and matched by employers, totaling 12.4%.

This system ensures that while higher earners also contribute to Social Security, there is a limit to the amount of income that can be taxed for this purpose. Earnings above the specified cap do not incur further Social Security tax. Understanding this cap is crucial for financial planning, as it helps individuals anticipate their tax liabilities and understand how their contributions impact future Social Security benefits.

In contrast, the other options present incorrect threshold amounts for 2023, as the figures either overstate or understate the actual limit.