The "2014 Edition" of "Social Security Explained" provides a succinct, comprehensive, and detailed explanation of the federal old-age, survivor's and disability insurance programs under the Social Security Act. "Social Security Explained "covers: Who is covered by the Social Security system Liability for Social Security tax How a worker acquires "insured status" required for benefit eligibility The conditions of entitlement by a worker, self-employed person, and spousal and child beneficiaries to the various kinds of Social Security benefits The taxation of benefits Strategies for increasing benefits and managing attendant tax consequences In addition to thorough analysis of the applicable laws, regulations and administrative rulings, "Social Security Explained "includes: The latest earnings base for Social Security tax and Medicare portion of the tax, as well as the annual earnings or retirement test amount Discussion of the Additional Medicare Tax that went into effect in 2013 The formula for the calculation of the maximum total amounts a family can receive in 2013 and prior years Analysis of the application of Social Security law to same-sex spouses And much more!