I. Domestic Administration of Social Security Taxation and the Scope of International Coordination – continued

a. The First Aspect: Contributions

Social security contributions are imposed as a tax via the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and collected by the Department of Treasury through the Service. Two statutes apply. With respect to employers and their employees, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) applies. With respect to self-employed persons, the Self Employment Contributions Act (SECA) applies. Under FICA, employers and employees contribute to social security based on wages paid. Under SECA, contributions are based on self-employment income received. Read More

Domestic Administration of Social Security Taxation and the Scope of International Coordination –

The United States social security program consists of benefits collected from taxes on employers, employees, and the self-employed, and distributions paid out to retired workers and their dependents and survivors. There are three aspects of the United States social security program. First, social security contributions are collected from current workers based on their current earnings. Second, social security benefits are calculated based on past contributions and paid to currently retired or disabled workers out of the funds contributed by current workers. And third, social security benefits received may be subject to income taxation, depending on the taxpayer’s status. Read More