Why are there 2 different FICA deductions on my paycheck stub?

Question

There are Social Security Deductions, health insurance, savings plan, and other deductions, and then there are 2 different deductions marked FICA. One of the amounts is significantly larger than the other, and we have no state tax.
Can someone please explain so I don't look like a fool going to my employer?

nina, there is a ss spot already, and an additional 2 FICAs ... I think there is some mistake, I am going to employer anyway.. looking ignorant or not.

thank you for your replies... :)

Answer 1

ninasgra is on the right track.

There are four amounts that must be contributed:
a) Your contribution to social security
b) Your employer's contribution to social security.
c) Your contribution to medicare
d) Your employer's contribution to medicare.

Either:
a. One of the three numbers is the total of two of the four things above. The other two numbers are each one of the four things above.
b. One of the three numbers is the total of the other two.
c. They made a mistake.
d. One number is the deduction for social security of 6.2% of income up to $xx,xxx (the amount varies from year to year), one number is the medicare deduction of 1.45% for that same income (the first $xx,xxx), and one is the medicare deduction of 1.45% of all other income (everything after the first $xx,xxx).

Answer 2

FICA is both Social Security and Medicare.

You as an employee contribute 6.2% of your pay to Social Security, up to the first $97,500 of you yearly pay.

You contribute 1.45% of your pay to Medicare, with no upper limit on your pay that is subject to this tax.

In addition, your employer matches both of the above amounts.

The two different FICA amounts are probably 6.2% for SS and 1.45% for Medicare.

Some employers also show the employer contribution, although that would not be a deduction, just the employer match. Perhaps this is the case for your paycheck. Ask you payroll department to clarify.

Answer 3

Sounds like you should go to your employer and ask - and it's a fair question, you won't look silly asking.

The total for FICA social security and medicare should be 7.65% of your gross pay. If it's more than that, something is wrong. Paychecks usually list social security deductions separate from medicare, but not always. But I don't know what the third one would be.

Answer 4

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is social security. Why you would have two deductions, I don't know. You should ask your payroll function to explain it to you.

Answer 5

Savings account? I would guess that you authorized them to withhold a specific amount to be deposited to your savings account or you directed them to deposit your net check to your savings account, but it probably would not be designated as 'savings account'