Money What does FICA stand for? Here’s how much you contribute to federal payroll taxes. February 4, 2023March 8, 2023 Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY Comments Off on What does FICA stand for? Here’s how much you contribute to federal payroll taxes. FICA, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, is the federal payroll tax. It's the 7.65% of your gross wages that go to Social Security and Medicare.