Take-Home Paycheck Calculator
See your after-tax paycheck with a line-by-line breakdown of federal tax, FICA, state tax, and deductions. Updated for 2026 tax brackets.
Your inputs
Pre-tax deductions (annual)
Post-tax deductions (annual)
Next step
Turn this paycheck into a monthly plan
Map each month's inflow and outflow, spot the months that carry an extra paycheck, and decide where your bottom line goes. Your numbers carry over automatically.
Where your paycheck goes
Line-item breakdown
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How your take-home pay is calculated
Every paycheck has three layers of tax taken out before the money reaches you. Here's what each line item means and how this calculator computes it.
Federal income tax — applied to your taxable income (gross salary minus pre-tax deductions and the standard deduction) using the 2026 progressive brackets. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household.
FICA — Social Security — 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026. Income above that cap is not subject to Social Security tax.
FICA — Medicare — 1.45% of all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
State income tax — applied to your federal taxable income using your state's 2026 rate schedule. Nine states (AK, FL, NH, NV, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY) have no state income tax.
Pre-tax deductions — 401(k), HSA, FSA, and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income before tax is computed. Your net pay is what remains after all taxes and deductions.
Common Questions
How is my paycheck calculated?
Your take-home pay is your gross salary minus federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), state income tax, and any pre-tax or post-tax deductions. This calculator applies the 2026 federal tax brackets, the standard deduction, and the FICA wage cap to estimate each line item.
What is FICA?
FICA is the Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax. It has two parts: Social Security tax (6.2% of wages up to an annual wage cap of $184,500 in 2026) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages over $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married couples). Your employer matches the Social Security and base Medicare portions.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of taxable income — the bracket your top dollar falls into. Your effective rate is your total tax divided by your gross income, which is always lower because the lower brackets are taxed at lower rates. This calculator shows both.
How do pre-tax deductions affect my paycheck?
Pre-tax deductions (like a traditional 401(k), HSA, or FSA) reduce your taxable income for federal and state income tax. A 401(k) contribution does not reduce FICA taxes, but HSA and FSA contributions do. Lowering your taxable income can also drop you into a lower marginal bracket.
Does this calculator include state and local taxes?
It includes state income tax for all 50 states using 2026 rates and brackets. It does not include local or city income taxes (such as NYC or Philadelphia), which vary by locality. If your city has a local income tax, your actual take-home will be slightly lower.
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
It provides a close estimate using 2026 federal brackets, the standard deduction, FICA limits, and state tax schedules. It does not capture every credit, additional Medicare withholding nuances, local taxes, or multi-state filing. For an exact number, check your paystub or consult a tax professional.
This calculator is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Actual withholding may differ based on your W-4, additional withholding, credits, and local taxes. Consult a licensed tax professional for personalized guidance.