Must employers withhold FICA taxes on payments made to independent contractors?

Employers are not required to withhold FICA taxes on payments made to independent contractors because independent contractors are considered self-employed individuals. As such, they are responsible for paying their own Social Security and Medicare taxes directly on their income, which is reported on Schedule SE of their individual tax returns.

Employers, however, do have to comply with FICA tax withholding for their employees since employees have a mandatory payroll tax deduction for Social Security and Medicare. The distinction between employees and independent contractors is critical in determining who is responsible for the payment of these taxes.

In summary, the nature of the working relationship dictates the tax obligations. Independent contractors manage their own tax responsibilities, whereas employers must withhold taxes for their employees. Thus, companies do not need to withhold FICA taxes when compensating independent contractors.