2027 Higher Social Security Benefits & Higher Social Security Tax Base

Social Security will have 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning January 2027.

The 2027 maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase from $184,500  to $192,300.  Someone making the maximum SS earnings will pay $483.60 more in Social Security tax this year. Employers will pay more as well as employees and employers pay the same amount. Therefore, someone self-employed making the maximum SS earnings will pay $967.20 more in Social Security tax this year.

As a reminder, Medicare tax is imposed on all wages since it has no cap.

In late November 2026, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security account.