Who is responsible for paying Social Security taxes?

Both employers and employees are responsible for paying Social Security taxes. This system is structured as a payroll tax where a portion of an employee's earnings is withheld by the employer and matched by the employer as part of their contributions to Social Security.

When an employee receives their paycheck, Social Security taxes are typically deducted from their gross earnings. The employer then contributes an equal amount to cover the employer's share of the tax. This dual contribution helps fund the Social Security program, which provides benefits for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers.

Furthermore, self-employed individuals are also responsible for paying into Social Security, but their situation is slightly different. They pay the full amount of Social Security tax on their net earnings, which accounts for both the employee and employer contributions. However, the specific answer focuses on the broader responsibility that lies with both employers and employees in the traditional employment context, justifying why this is the correct choice.