When calculating the total cost for an employee, which tax is NOT included in the formula?

When determining the total cost of an employee, it’s essential to understand which components contribute to the overall expense for the employer. Federal Income Tax is typically withheld from the employee's paycheck and collected by the government; however, it is not a direct cost that the employer pays. Instead, it is the employee's responsibility, which the employer merely deducts from their earnings.

In contrast, Medicare Tax, Social Security Tax, and State Tax are expenses borne by the employer. Employers are required to match certain taxes, like Social Security and Medicare, which adds to the cost of employing someone. State Tax can also include employer contributions, depending on the jurisdiction. Therefore, the reason Federal Income Tax is not included in the calculation for total employee costs is that it is not an expense for the employer but rather a withholding from the employee’s wages. This distinction is crucial in accurately assessing the financial commitment involved in employment.