Calculate your exact take-home pay after federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Updated for 2026 tax brackets and standard deductions per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
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Your take-home pay
Full annual breakdown
Where your paycheck goes
This calculator uses 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deductions per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household. Social Security wage base for 2026 is $176,100. State tax rates are approximate flat rates and may not reflect all state-specific rules, local taxes, or additional surtaxes. Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
How to use the Paycheck Calculator
Our free paycheck calculator gives you an accurate estimate of your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Here's how to get your result in under a minute:
- Enter your gross pay. This is your salary or hourly wage before any deductions. For salaried workers, enter your annual salary. For hourly workers, enter your hourly rate and average hours per week.
- Select your pay frequency. Choose weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly depending on how often you're paid. This affects how your annual tax liability is spread across paychecks.
- Choose your filing status. Single, married filing jointly, and head of household each have different tax brackets and standard deductions that determine how much federal tax is withheld.
- Add any pre-tax deductions. Enter 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, or other pre-tax deductions. These reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill.
- Click Calculate. Your estimated take-home pay, total taxes, and a full breakdown appear instantly.
How paycheck taxes work
Every paycheck has several mandatory deductions taken out before you receive your money. Understanding each one helps you plan your finances and verify your pay stub is correct.
Federal income tax
Federal income tax is calculated based on your earnings and filing status using the IRS progressive tax bracket system. In 2026, the rates range from 10% on the lowest income to 37% on the highest. Importantly, these rates apply only to income within each bracket — not your entire salary. If you earn $80,000 and file as single, you don't pay 22% on all $80,000. You pay 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on the next portion, and 22% only on the amount above $48,475.
Social Security tax
Social Security tax is withheld at 6.2% of your gross wages, up to the wage base limit of $176,100 in 2025. Your employer pays an additional 6.2% on your behalf. Once your earnings reach the wage base, no further Social Security tax is withheld for the rest of the calendar year.
Medicare tax
Medicare tax is withheld at 1.45% of all wages with no income cap. High earners (above $200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly) pay an additional 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax.
State and local taxes
Many states have their own income tax, ranging from 0% in states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada to over 13% in California. Some cities and counties also levy local income taxes. This calculator estimates federal taxes; check your state revenue department for state-specific withholding rates.
2026 federal income tax brackets
The IRS adjusts tax brackets annually for inflation. Here are the 2026 federal income tax brackets for the most common filing statuses:
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $11,925 | Up to $23,850 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 | $23,850 – $96,950 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 | $96,950 – $206,700 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 | $206,700 – $394,600 |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 | $394,600 – $501,050 |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 | $501,050 – $751,600 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 |
Frequently asked questions
Why is my take-home pay different from what this calculator shows?
Several factors can cause a difference. Your employer may withhold additional amounts based on your W-4 elections, such as extra withholding in Step 4(c). You may also have voluntary deductions like union dues, garnishments, life insurance, or commuter benefits that aren't included here. State and local taxes also vary by location and aren't always reflected in basic calculators.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — the number on your offer letter or employment contract. Net pay (take-home pay) is what's left after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and any pre-tax deductions are subtracted. For most workers, net pay is 65–80% of gross pay depending on income level and deductions.
How do pre-tax deductions affect my paycheck?
Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums paid through your employer, and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income before federal and state taxes are calculated. This means you save taxes on every dollar contributed. For example, if you contribute $200 per paycheck to a traditional 401(k) and you're in the 22% federal tax bracket, your take-home pay only decreases by about $156 — not the full $200.
Should I claim 0 or 1 allowances on my W-4?
The 2020 redesign of Form W-4 eliminated the old allowances system. The new W-4 uses a dollar-based system with five steps. Most employees only need to complete Steps 1 and 5. If you have multiple jobs, dependents, or significant other income, filling out the full form more carefully will result in more accurate withholding. Use our W-4 Withholding Calculator to find the exact settings for your situation.
How is overtime taxed on my paycheck?
Overtime pay is taxed the same way as regular pay — there is no special overtime tax rate. However, because overtime pushes your income higher in a given pay period, your employer may withhold more federal income tax that period (since withholding is calculated as if you earned that amount every pay period). This often results in a slight over-withholding that you get back as a refund when you file. FICA taxes apply to overtime pay the same way they do to regular wages.
What is FICA tax?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It refers to the combined Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from your paycheck. In 2025, the FICA rate for employees is 6.2% for Social Security (on wages up to $176,100) plus 1.45% for Medicare, for a total of 7.65%. Your employer matches this amount. Self-employed workers pay both halves — a total of 15.3% — which is called self-employment tax.
Tips to maximize your take-home pay
- Contribute to a traditional 401(k) or IRA. Every dollar you contribute reduces your federal taxable income. At the 22% bracket, a $10,000 annual 401(k) contribution saves you $2,200 in federal taxes.
- Enroll in an HSA if eligible. Health Savings Accounts offer a triple tax advantage: contributions are pre-tax, growth is tax-free, and qualified medical withdrawals are tax-free.
- Review your W-4 after major life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, buying a home, or a significant income change can all affect your optimal withholding settings.
- Use an FSA for predictable medical or childcare costs. Flexible Spending Accounts let you pay these expenses with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income.
- Check your pay stub every month. Payroll errors happen. Verifying that your deductions, hours, and withholding are correct can catch mistakes that cost you money.