FIY.. SS, medicare/medicaid are not now, nor have they ever been “income taxes”
A tax is money the government takes. People have no choice. Pay or go to jail. SS is a tax . So are..property taxes, fees on your utilities, gas, car tags, marriage licences, inspection stickers, tolls, tire disposal, cigarettes, alcohol, park fees ........to name a few.
By the By ... They are taken out up front by your employer before you see your check. Based on your income and taken out with the income tax. All part and parcel of the same government scheme. Thank you.
They certainly are, if they are based on a percentage of total income, even if you call them "wheelbarrows"...