Estimate 2026 federal and FICA withholding with clearly labeled state planning estimates.
Values update as you edit.
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A paycheck calculator estimates take-home pay after federal, FICA, and state taxes. Enter your state, filing status, pay type, and details to see net pay per period.
The calculator estimates gross pay, then subtracts federal income tax (using standard deduction and current brackets), FICA payroll taxes (Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45%), and state income tax. The result is an estimate of take-home pay.
It's an estimate, not a paystub: it ignores 401(k) contributions, health premiums, and other benefits; local taxes and credits vary. State rates use the tool's tax table — check your state's current rules. W-4 allowances also shift withholding.
Use it for budgeting, salary negotiation, and comparing job offers — the net number is what actually lands in your account. Update it when your rate, hours, or state change. For exact numbers, check your real paystub.
['Select the state and filing status.', 'Choose hourly or salary and enter the details.', 'Read the estimated net pay per period.']
Gross pay = hours × rate (plus overtime) or salary. Deductions: federal income tax (standard deduction and brackets), FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%), and state income tax by state. Net pay = gross − deductions.
A $25/hr worker earning 40 hours biweekly has ~$2,000 gross; after federal, FICA (~7.65%), and state tax, net is roughly $1,650–$1,750 depending on the state.
Net = gross minus federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and state income tax. The tool walks through each.
Payroll taxes: 6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare — matched by your employer.
Roughly 12–17% for federal/state combined at typical incomes — around $250–$350, depending on state and filing status.
State income tax rates range from 0% (TX, FL) to over 13% top brackets (CA) — the tool applies each state's table.
No — pre-tax contributions lower taxable income. Add them mentally or check your paystub.
Close for typical W-2 situations with the standard deduction, but your W-4, benefits, and credits adjust the exact number.
Compare net pay (after tax) between offers, not gross — state taxes alone can swing the difference.
BoringToolsKit. “Paycheck After Tax Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/paycheck-calc/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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