2027 Social Security Wage Base Projected to Increase

What’s the maximum Social Security tax that Payroll could withhold from each employee in 2027? The taxable wage base estimate has been released.

According to the intermediate projection in the June 2026 Trustees Report, the Social Security taxable wage base for 2027 is projected to be $190,200.

That’s a $5,700 increase from the current 2026 wage base of $184,500.

At the 6.2% Social Security tax rate, the maximum Payroll would withhold from each employee’s wages would be $11,792.40. Employers would match that amount.

The per-employee maximum amount in 2026 is $11,439.00.

SSA is expected to announce the official 2027 taxable wage base in October. We’ll update you when the final number is released.

A Look Ahead at Social Security Wage Base Projections

For employers that want to look further ahead, here are the intermediate projections included in the report:

• $198,900 in 2028
• $206,700 in 2029
• $215,400 in 2030, and
• $224,700 in 2031.

Payroll takeaway:

• Use the projected wage base for preliminary 2027 budgeting and planning.
• Update payroll systems once SSA announces the official wage base, typically in October, so the correct amount is in place before the first payroll of next year.

More info: June 2026 Trustees Report