Tanya Dulaney wrote
Erik, you have the voluntary SPSP contribution amount incorrect. It is 3.05% making the maximum total 6.05%. This is less than the 6.2% SS tax.
Good catch and my fault. Should have said that employees hired BEFORE 7/1/86 (so employees entering their 20th year of service) are the ones that can put in 4.5 percent. Those hired after 7/1/86 can voluntarily contribute only 3.05 percent. But my big point remains: It is misleading to say that employees are not part of Social Security. And depending upon the actions of employees, the costs to the employer (and ultimately the taxpayer) can be just as great.