Individual taxable earnings of up to $184,500 annually will be subject to Social Security tax in 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) said Friday, Oct. 24.
The amount, an increase from $176,100 in 2025, is the wage base limit that applies to earnings subject to the 6.2% OASDI tax (old age, survivors and disability insurance).
At or above the wage base limit, the employee and the employer each will pay $11,439 tax, an increase of $521 for each party in 2026.
The SSA also announced Friday a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8% for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in January 2026.
In 2026, retirees receiving Social Security benefits will be able to earn $65,160 in the year they reach full retirement age before their benefits are reduced by $1 for every $3 in earnings over the limit. That is an increase from $62,160 in 2025. Read more.