Mary earned \( \$ 41,258.75 \) for the past calendar year. How much did she pay for the year in social security and Medicare taxes? (Social Security Tax is \( 6.2 \% \) of gross wages up to \( \$ 87,900 \). Medicare Tax is \( 1.45 \% \) of all gross wages.) Select one: a. \( \$ 2,931.25 \) b. \( \$ 3,225.31 \) c. \( \$ 3,156.29 \) d. \( \$ 3,425.31 \)

To calculate Mary’s social security and Medicare taxes, we need to apply the respective rates to her gross wages. 1. **Social Security Tax Calculation**: \[ \text{Social Security Tax} = 6.2\% \times 41,258.75 = 0.062 \times 41,258.75 = 2,563.44 \] 2. **Medicare Tax Calculation**: \[ \text{Medicare Tax} = 1.45\% \times 41,258.75 = 0.0145 \times 41,258.75 = 597.26 \] 3. **Total Taxes**: \[ \text{Total Taxes} = \text{Social Security Tax} + \text{Medicare Tax} = 2,563.44 + 597.26 = 3,160.70 \] So, the total of \( \$ 3,160.70 \) doesn't directly match any of the options given, but we should check the closest. The next step is to present the choices accurately. Let's quickly redo the total and verify: - Social Security: \( 2,563.44 \) - Medicare: \( 597.26 \) - Sum: \( 2,563.44 + 597.26 = 3,160.70 \) The closest answer in the provided options is option c: \( \$ 3,156.29 \). Final answer: **c. \( \$ 3,156.29 \)**.