Well I was just goading the Democrats a bit. The Social Security tax rate for employees had been 6.2 percent from 1990 to 2010. It decreased to 4.2 the past two years and will now return to the 6.2 level as part of the fiscal cliff deal. Republicans see no advantage in talking about that part of the agreement, though, as it was perhaps the only part of the deal that was actually desired by both parties.

Higher earned income persons can expect a double hit this year - an increase in the wage base (wages subject to tax) and a return to normal Social Security rates. This in addition to the major tax hikes set for 2013 per the expiration of the Bush tax cuts and implementation of Obamacare.