(a)

Tier 1 tax

In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in his employ, equal to the applicable percentage of compensation paid during any calendar year by such employer for services rendered to such employer. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "applicable percentage" means the percentage equal to the sum of the rates of tax in effect under subsections (a) and (b) of section 3111 for the calendar year.

(b)

Tier 2 tax

(1)

In general

In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in his employ, equal to the applicable percentage of the compensation paid during any calendar year by such employer for services rendered to such employer.

(2)

Applicable percentage

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "applicable percentage" means -

(A)

15.6 percent in the case of compensation paid during 2002,

(B)

14.2 percent in the case of compensation paid during 2003, and

(C)

in the case of compensation paid during any calendar year after 2003, the percentage determined under section 3241 for such calendar year.

(c)

Cross reference

For application of different contribution bases with respect to the taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b), see section 3231(e)(2).