How often does the FICA tax base change?

The FICA tax base, which includes Social Security and Medicare taxes, can change annually, typically in response to adjustments in the national average wage index. The Social Security portion of the FICA tax has a wage base limit that may increase each year, reflecting increases in average wages. However, the Medicare portion does not have a wage base limit and applies to all earned income. Changes are usually announced by the Social Security Administration in the fall before the new tax year begins.