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Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay after federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) - updated for 2026 tax brackets, by state.

Enter your pay details

Enter your gross pay for the period you select below.
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Your estimated take-home pay

$0.00
Gross pay (this period)$0.00
Federal income tax$0.00
State income tax$0.00
Social Security (6.2%)$0.00
Medicare (1.45%)$0.00
Total taxes withheld$0.00
Annualized gross pay$0.00
How this estimate works: this calculator applies 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction, 2026 state income tax brackets (simplified to single-filer state brackets as an approximation), and 2026 FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, 1.45% Medicare plus 0.9% additional Medicare above $200,000/$250,000). It does not account for pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance), local/city income taxes, tax credits, or your actual W-4 elections - your real paycheck will differ. Use it for a quick estimate, not a substitute for a payroll professional or the IRS withholding estimator.

How is take-home pay calculated?

Take-home pay (net pay) is what's left after your employer withholds federal income tax, state income tax (if your state has one), and FICA payroll taxes from your gross pay. Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system - you only pay the higher rate on the portion of income that falls in that bracket, not your whole paycheck. FICA is a flat 6.2% for Social Security (up to an annual wage cap) and 1.45% for Medicare (no cap, plus an extra 0.9% for high earners).

Which states have no income tax in 2026?

Nine states currently don't tax wage income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you select one of these, only federal tax and FICA will apply.

FAQ

Why doesn't this match my actual paycheck exactly?

Real payroll withholding also factors in your W-4 elections, pre-tax benefits like 401(k) and health insurance premiums, local income taxes in some cities, and tax credits - none of which this simplified calculator includes. Treat this as a ballpark estimate.

Does this include 401(k) or health insurance deductions?

Not yet - this version calculates tax withholding only, based on gross pay. Pre-tax deductions would lower your taxable income and reduce the tax shown here.

What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what actually hits your bank account after taxes and other withholdings.