Increased Medicare payroll tax

Description

Abstract: The Medicare payroll tax is the primary source of financing for Medicare, which generally pays medical bills for individuals who are 65 or older or disabled. Wages paid through Dec. 31, 2012, were subject to a 2.9% Medicare payroll tax. Workers and employers pay 1.45% each. Beginning in 2013, individuals who have wage and/or self-employment income exceeding certain thresholds are subject to an additional 0.9% Medicare tax (that is, 2.35% total) on their earned income exceeding the applicable threshold. This article discusses the tax as it affects different categories of filers.