Per Employee (Annual)
$5,780
All 5 Employees
$28,898
Effective Tax Rate
7.71%
What payroll taxes must employers pay?
Employers must pay: Social Security tax at 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2025), Medicare tax at 1.45% on all wages (no cap), and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) at an effective rate of 0.6% on the first $7,000 per employee. Most states also require State Unemployment Tax (SUTA), which varies by state and employer experience rating.
What is the FUTA credit?
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act imposes a gross tax of 6.0% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages. However, employers who pay state unemployment taxes on time receive a credit of up to 5.4%, reducing the effective FUTA rate to 0.6%. This means the maximum FUTA liability per employee is $42 per year ($7,000 x 0.6%).
How often are payroll taxes deposited?
The deposit schedule depends on your tax liability. Monthly depositors (liability of $50,000 or less in the lookback period) must deposit by the 15th of the following month. Semi-weekly depositors (liability over $50,000) must deposit within 1-3 business days of payday. The $100,000 next-day deposit rule applies when accumulated taxes reach $100,000 or more on any day.
IRS-Aligned: This calculator uses 2025 FICA and FUTA rates. State unemployment taxes (SUTA) vary by state and employer experience rating and are not included. Consult a payroll specialist for complete payroll tax obligations.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current IRS rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your filing status, state of residence, deductions, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax professional or CPA before making financial decisions. Read our terms
This calculator uses official rates and thresholds from:
- IRS Publication 15 (Circular E) โ Employer's Tax Guide
- IRS Topic 751 โ Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates
- IRS Schedule SE โ Self-Employment Tax Instructions
Last verified: March 2026 ยท Tax year 2025. Results are indicative โ consult a qualified accountant for personalised advice.
Related Calculators
Bonus Tax Calculator
Find out how much of your bonus you actually keep after income tax and NI deductions.
Salary Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after tax, National Insurance, and pension deductions.
Employer Cost Calculator
See the true cost of employing someone including NI, pension, and benefits.