This is one in a continuing series on the 2010 Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, which employers must generally furnish to employees no later than January 31, 2011. Forms mailed on the due date are considered furnished if properly addressed. Employers unable to meet that deadline may file a request for extension of time to furnish the forms. Today we review Box 6, Medicare tax withheld.

No Limit in 2010 on Medicare Tax Withheld

Box 6 shows the total amount of employee Medicare withheld, including the amount withheld on tips. It does not include any employer contribution toward Medicare on the employee’s behalf. The 2010 rate was 1.45% and unlike social security, there is no taxable wage base. Therefore, there is no upper limit to the amount entered in this box. If the employer paid the employee’s share of such taxes rather than withholding them, the tax must be grossed up and included in boxes 1, 3, and 5.

Box 7, Social Security Tips Is the Next Topic

The next topic in this continuing series will be Box 7, social security tips. Contact Vision Payroll with any questions on the 2010 Form W-2.