Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your exact take-home pay after federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and 401k deductions. Works for both hourly and salary.
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Understanding Your Paycheck Deductions
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax is calculated using progressive tax brackets. In 2026, the brackets for single filers are:
| Income Range | Tax Rate | Tax on This Portion |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $12,400 | 10% | Up to $1,240 |
| $12,401 – $50,400 | 12% | Up to $4,560 |
| $50,401 – $105,700 | 22% | Up to $12,166 |
| $105,701 – $201,775 | 24% | Up to $23,058 |
| $201,776 – $256,225 | 32% | Up to $17,424 |
| $256,226 – $640,600 | 35% | Up to $134,531 |
| Over $640,600 | 37% | — |
FICA Taxes — Social Security & Medicare
FICA taxes are flat rates taken from every paycheck:
- Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (2026 wage base)
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages (no cap)
- Additional Medicare: 0.9% on wages over $200,000 (single)
- Your employer matches your 6.2% + 1.45% — they pay the same amount separately
Pre-Tax Deductions That Lower Your Tax Bill
These deductions reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated:
- 401(k) contributions: Up to $24,500 in 2026 ($32,500 if 50+)
- Health insurance premiums: Employer-sponsored health plan premiums
- HSA contributions: Up to $4,400 individual / $8,750 family in 2026
- FSA contributions: Up to $3,400 for healthcare FSA
- Traditional IRA: Up to $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) — deducted on tax return
States With No Income Tax
If you live in one of these states, you keep significantly more of your paycheck:
- No income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming
- Tax only on investment income: New Hampshire (dividends/interest only)
On a $70,000 salary, living in Texas vs California saves approximately $4,500–6,500/year in state income taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average 20-30% of gross pay. Includes federal income tax (varies by bracket), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and state income tax (0-13%). On a $65,000 salary in a no-tax state: about $12,000-14,000 per year in taxes = 18-22% effective rate.
FICA = Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%) = 7.65% of gross wages. On a $1,000 paycheck that is $76.50. Your employer also pays 7.65% matching on your behalf — you never see that money but it funds your future benefits.
Yes — traditional 401k contributions are pre-tax, reducing your taxable income. Contributing $5,000 to a 401k in the 22% tax bracket saves $1,100 in federal taxes. You pay taxes on that money only when you withdraw it in retirement, ideally at a lower tax rate.
Single filer, no state tax: Federal income tax ~$88, Social Security $62, Medicare $14.50. Total ~$164.50. Take-home: ~$835. With 5% state tax: add $50 more. With 6% 401k: subtract $60 pre-tax first, then calculate taxes on $940.