How take-home pay is calculated
Your net pay is your gross salary minus federal income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any state or local income tax. For 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and the seven federal brackets range from 10% to 37%.
2026 federal tax brackets (Single)
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $12,400 | 10% |
| $12,400 – $50,400 | 12% |
| $50,400 – $105,700 | 22% |
| $105,700 – $201,775 | 24% |
| $201,775 – $256,225 | 32% |
| $256,225 – $640,600 | 35% |
| Over $640,600 | 37% |
FICA taxes in 2026
Social Security tax is 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (the 2026 wage base). Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Your employer pays a matching share.
FAQ
Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?
Pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA/FSA contributions reduce your taxable wages, while credits and itemized deductions change your final tax. This tool gives a baseline estimate using the standard deduction only.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming levy no tax on wage income. Enter 0% for those states.
Is bonus income taxed differently?
Bonuses are typically withheld at a flat 22% federal supplemental rate, but at year-end they are taxed as ordinary income together with your salary — so your total annual tax is what ultimately matters.
Worked example
Say you earn $75,000 a year as a single filer with no pre-tax benefits. The calculator first subtracts the 2026 standard deduction of $16,100, leaving $58,900 of taxable income, and applies the 2026 federal brackets progressively — only the portion of income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. On top of federal income tax, FICA takes a flat 7.65% of gross wages (6.2% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, plus 1.45% Medicare), which is $5,738 on this salary. Your monthly take-home is what remains after both, divided by twelve.
FAQ
Does this include state income tax?
No. This calculator covers federal income tax and FICA only. Depending on your state, an additional 0–13% state income tax may apply, and some cities levy local taxes on top. Pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions or health-insurance premiums would also reduce your taxable income and change the result.