This is an estimate. It uses 2026 federal brackets and the standard deduction only, and a single flat rate you supply for state and local taxes. It does not include tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit), itemized deductions, other income, or the exact withholding method your employer uses. Your actual paycheck and tax bill will differ.
How this calculator estimates your paycheck
Enter your annual gross salary, filing status, any pre-tax payroll deductions (traditional 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions), and an approximate state and local income tax rate. The calculator estimates your federal income tax, FICA taxes, and state tax, and shows your take-home pay per year, per month, and per biweekly paycheck. It also shows your effective federal income tax rate, the share of your gross salary that goes to federal income tax.
2026 federal tax figures used
The figures come from the IRS's 2026 inflation adjustments (IRS). For single filers, income is taxed at 10% up to $12,400, 12% up to $50,400, 22% up to $105,700, 24% up to $201,775, 32% up to $256,225, 35% up to $640,600, and 37% above that. Married couples filing jointly have brackets roughly twice as wide. The Social Security wage base for 2026 is $184,500 (IRS Publication 15).
Marginal vs. effective tax rate
A common misconception is that moving into a higher bracket makes all your income taxed at the higher rate. In fact, only the dollars inside each bracket are taxed at that bracket's rate. Your marginal rate is the rate on your next dollar of income; your effective rate is total tax divided by income and is always lower. A raise never reduces your take-home pay from federal income tax alone.
FICA: Social Security and Medicare
Employees pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to the annual wage base and 1.45% Medicare tax on all wages. An additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies to wages above $200,000 for single filers ($250,000 for joint filers). Note that most pre-tax 401(k) contributions still count as wages for FICA; this calculator applies FICA to gross salary for that reason. Health insurance premiums paid through a cafeteria plan are typically exempt from FICA, so people with large premium deductions may pay slightly less FICA than shown.
State and local taxes
State income taxes vary enormously. Several states, including Texas and Florida, have no state wage income tax, while others have progressive rates. Some cities also levy income tax. Because modeling every state is complex, this calculator lets you enter a single blended percentage. Look up your state's rates, or use your prior year's state return (state tax divided by income) as a guide.
Ways to increase take-home pay legally
- Use pre-tax benefits such as a traditional 401(k), HSA, or FSA, which reduce federal taxable income.
- Review your Form W-4 so withholding matches your situation; a huge refund means you over-withheld during the year.
- Check whether you qualify for credits, which reduce tax dollar-for-dollar.
Formula used
Taxable income = salary − pre-tax deductions − standard deduction (2026: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household). Federal tax is applied through the 2026 brackets (10%–37%).
Social Security = 6.2% × min(salary, $184,500). Medicare = 1.45% × salary + 0.9% × wages above $200,000 (single/HoH) or $250,000 (joint). State = your flat % × (salary − pre-tax deductions).
Take-home = salary − pre-tax deductions − all taxes.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my paycheck match exactly?
Employers use IRS withholding tables, your W-4 settings, and actual benefit deductions. This calculator estimates annual tax liability, not withholding.
Does this include tax credits?
No. Credits such as the Child Tax Credit would lower your federal tax.
Is this for self-employed income?
No. Self-employed people pay both halves of FICA through self-employment tax, which this tool does not model.
Which year is this for?
Tax year 2026 federal figures.
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