Tax Day 2024 and How to Get an Extension from the IRS
Tax Day is on Monday, Apr 15, 2024. Not ready to file? Submit an electronic request to the IRS for an extension ASAP!
FICA combines two types of taxes: Social Security and Medicare. But what is Medicare?
If you run a business, you must withhold Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from your employees’ wages. If you earn a paycheck, you’re going to see FICA listed on your pay stub. It’s the reality of payroll. But what are you really paying? FICA combines two types of taxes: Social Security (previously discussed in this blog) and Medicare.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program that aids Americans who are 65 or over, or anyone – regardless of age – who has permanent kidney failure or other debilitating disabilities.
The federal government imposes a Medicare tax of 2.9% to help pay for this program. It’s imposed as a flat rate on all wages, salaries, business or farming income. Unlike the Social Security tax, there is no annual wage limit. An employer pays 1.45% of the tax while the employee pays the other 1.45%. If you’re self-employed, you will pay both halves, but can deduct half as an adjustment later on.
An additional tax can be levied if an individual’s Medicare wages exceed a threshold amount based on his or her filing status listed on a W-4. For example, a person filling single that exceeds the $200,000 limit will be taxed an additional 0.9%. Employers do not match. Form 8959 is used to determine the Additional Medicare Tax.
Further questions? Check out the IRS’s FAQs.
Tax Day is on Monday, Apr 15, 2024. Not ready to file? Submit an electronic request to the IRS for an extension ASAP!
IRS has updated tax brackets for 2024. See how this affects your first paycheck this year!
Check out the updated 2024 Federal benefit limits for 401(k), HSA, and simple IRA, and more. Stay informed and plan your finances with confidence!