EzPaycheck 2013 payroll software has been updated to handle the Additional Medicare Tax Automatically. The new version is available for free test drive at http://www.halfpricesoft.com/payroll_software_download.asp
Here are some FAQs about the Additional Medicare Tax.
When must an employer withhold Additional Medicare Tax?
The statute requires an employer to withhold Additional Medicare Tax on wages it pays to an employee in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year, beginning January 1, 2013. An employer has this withholding obligation even though an employee may not be liable for Additional Medicare Tax because, for example, the employee’s wages together with that of his or her spouse do not exceed the $250,000 threshold for joint return filers. Any withheld Additional Medicare Tax will be credited against the total tax liability shown on the individual’s income tax return (Form 1040).
When does Additional Medicare Tax start?
Additional Medicare Tax applies to wages and compensation above a threshold amount received after December 31, 2012 and to self-employment income above a threshold amount received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012.
What is the rate of Additional Medicare Tax?
The rate is 0.9 percent
When are individuals liable for Additional Medicare Tax?
An individual is liable for Additional Medicare Tax if the individual’s wages, compensation, or self-employment income (together with that of his or her spouse if filing a joint return) exceed the threshold amount for the individual’s filing status:
|
Filing Status
|
Threshold Amount
|
|
Married filing jointly
|
$250,000
|
|
Married filing separately
|
$125,000
|
|
Single
|
$200,000
|
|
Head of household (with qualifying person)
|
$200,000
|
|
Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child
|
$200,000
|
What wages are subject to Additional Medicare Tax?
All wages that are currently subject to Medicare Tax are subject to Additional Medicare Tax if they are paid in excess of the applicable threshold for an individual’s filing status. For more information on what wages are subject to Medicare Tax, see the chart, Special Rules for Various Types of Services and Payments, in section 15 of Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide.
More details can be found at
http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Questions-and-Answers-for-the-Additional-Medicare-Tax
