Each local income tax percentage rate in the calculation associated with a jurisdiction listed at right either matches or closely approximates the listed local tax rate for that jurisdiction, without going below the actual tax rate. Show
To find the proper calculation, click on the jurisdiction where the employee lives. For lump sum distribution or annual bonus select the jurisdiction and use the rate listed at the bottom of that page. For employees who are not residents of Maryland, use the Nonresident link which does not include local tax. However, the calculation provides for the special nonresident tax, which is calculated using the lowest local tax rate in effect for the tax year. For employees who are residents of Maryland, but are working in Delaware or other nonreciprocal states, use the link labeled Delaware. The calculation for the Delaware link includes the local tax and credit for income taxes paid to another state. For more information, contact Taxpayer Service Division.
FAST WAGE AND TAX FACTS is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal, accounting, tax or other professional services. If legal advice or other assistance is required, an attorney, CPA or tax adviser should be consulted. Minimum wage rates may vary by industry and may be superseded by Federal minimum wage rules. Contact the proper agency to verify. For information about cost-effective solutions from ADP, please visit us at www.adp.com, contact your local ADP representative or call 1-800-225-5237. While our Fast Wage and Tax Facts tool is handy in a pinch, knowing the ins and outs of payroll taxes can help support longer-term compliance efforts Payroll taxOver the years, the term “payroll tax” has become synonymous with all things taxes on a pay stub. In reality, however, payroll taxes are different from income taxes and serve a distinct purpose for public welfare. With careful attention to compliance, employers can help fulfill this societal benefit and avoid significant penalties. What is payroll tax?A payroll tax is a tax levied by federal, state or local governments to help fund public programs. It is typically paid for via direct contributions from employers, as well as deductions from employee wages, hence the name payroll tax. What is an example of a payroll tax?Payroll tax examples include Medicare, which provides health coverage for adults over age 65, and Social Security, which provides retirement income for adults age 62 and older, as well as certain disabled individuals and certain survivors of taxpayers. What is the difference between payroll tax and income tax?Payroll taxes have flat rates and are sent directly to the program for which they are intended, e.g., Medicare, Social Security, etc. Income taxes, on the other hand, have progressive rates that vary with total income and go to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where they may be used to fund various government initiatives. In addition, some payroll taxes have a wage base limit, after which the tax is no longer deducted from the employee’s wages for the remainder of the year. Income taxes have no such cap. What are the basic types of payroll tax?Several types of payroll taxes exist at the national and state levels. They are as follows:
Understanding payroll taxesTo employees, payroll taxes may simply be line items on a pay stub, but employers need to have a more in-depth understanding of related topics, such as:
How do employers calculate payroll tax?Payroll taxes are calculated by multiplying an employee’s gross taxable wages against the applicable payroll tax rate. For example, if the gross taxable income for a particular pay period was $1,250, then the Medicare deduction would be 1,250 x 1.45% = $18.13 and the Social Security deduction would be 1,250 x 6.2% = $77.50. Payroll tax calculations like these are usually simpler than those for income tax because the rates are flat and withholding certificates aren’t necessary. Payroll tax complianceSince they are deducted from employee wages and held in trust by the employer until remitted to the relevant agency, FICA taxes are considered a type of trust fund tax. This means that a compliance violation can expose businesses to the trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP). Infractions occur when the individual(s) responsible for collecting, accounting and paying taxes willfully fails to do so. The IRS defines willfulness as having awareness of the outstanding taxes and either intentionally disregarding the law or behaving indifferently to its requirements. How can employers avoid payroll tax penalties?Employers who proactively manage their payroll taxes are more likely to avoid penalties than those who don’t. Here are some preventive tips:
Frequently asked questions about payroll taxWhat is a payroll tax cut?The payroll tax cut or tax holiday that occurred as a provision of the CARES Act in 2020 was actually a deferral. Employers who did not remit the employer portion of Social Security tax during the deferral period were required to do so by a later date. Does everyone pay payroll tax?In general, most employers and employees pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Exemptions apply, however, for certain classes of nonimmigrant and nonresident aliens. Examples include nonimmigrant students, scholars, teachers, researchers and trainees (including medical interns), physicians, au pairs, summer camp workers, and other nonimmigrants temporarily present in the United States in F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 status.1 What is the federal payroll tax rate?The current FICA tax rate is 15.3%. Paid evenly between employers and employees, this amounts to 7.65% each, per payroll cycle. Is payroll tax flat or progressive?Unlike income taxes, payroll tax rates are flat, which means that all employees pay the same percentage regardless of their total income. Some payroll taxes, however, have wage base limits. How do I pay payroll tax?Federal payroll taxes are paid online using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. Payment methods for state and local payroll taxes vary by location. This guide is intended to be used as a starting point in analyzing an employer’s payroll obligations and is not a comprehensive resource of requirements. It offers practical information concerning the subject matter and is provided with the understanding that ADP is not rendering legal or tax advice or other professional services. 1IRS International Taxpayers |