Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and state taxes. Updated for 2026 tax brackets.
How paycheck taxes work
Progressive brackets from 10% to 37%. Your filing status determines the bracket thresholds. Standard deduction: $16,100 single / $32,200 married (2026).
7.65% total: 6.2% Social Security (up to $184,500 wage base in 2026) + 1.45% Medicare (all wages). Additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above $200K.
Varies by state — from 0% in TX/FL/WA/TN/NV to 13.3% in California. Some states use flat rates, others progressive brackets. This calculator uses effective state rates.
State tax rates at a glance
Select your state above to see estimated take-home pay. Rates shown are the approximate state rates this calculator uses (the flat rate where a state has one) — your actual effective rate depends on income level.
Frequently asked questions
FICA is the payroll tax for Social Security and Medicare — 7.65% of wages total: 6.2% for Social Security (up to an annual wage base, $184,500 in 2026) plus 1.45% for Medicare on all wages. An extra 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to wages above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly).
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax on wages. New Hampshire taxes only certain investment income. In those states your estimated take-home is higher because no state tax is withheld.
This is an estimate. Your actual paycheck depends on your W-4 elections, pre-tax deductions (401(k), health premiums, HSA), post-tax deductions, local/city taxes, and how your employer runs withholding. We apply 2026 federal brackets, the standard deduction, FICA, and an approximate state rate.
No. It estimates taxes on gross pay only. Pre-tax contributions like 401(k) and health premiums would lower your taxable income and change the result. Use it as a starting estimate, not an exact payslip.
No. Those are deductions you claim on your federal tax return for 2025 through 2028 — up to $12,500 of overtime premium pay ($25,000 on a joint return) and up to $25,000 of qualified tips. This calculator estimates tax on all of your pay, so if you qualify, your federal income tax for the year can come out lower than shown.