How come they take more money?

Question

out of your work checks for social security and less for federal or state?

Answer 1

My assumption is that the social security you are referring to is made up of FICA at 6.2% on wages up to $94,200 for 2006, while Medicare is another 1.45%. Most states have a rate typically less - the state of Pennsylvania which I live in is 3.07% plus a local of 1.0%. Obviosuly my state/local rate is less than social security .

With regards to federal income tax withheld, the likelihood that less federal taxes are withheld from is probably because of your status - Married or Single and the # of exemptions that you claimed. You selected these items on your W-4.

When you select "Married" rather than "Single", less federal income tax is withheld from each paycheck. Furthermore, the higher number of exemptions you claim, the less federal income tax is withheld from each paycheck.

So check your status on your check and if you want to increase the federal income tax withheld, claim less exemptions or change your marital status for withholding purposes.

Good luck and it may be helpful to check with the HR department of your company.

Answer 2

Depends on you total gross pay. FICA is set at a certain percent, taxes vary by income.