How take-home pay is calculated
The calculator works out a full year, then divides by the number of paychecks. Pick the tax year: 2026 uses the 2026 IRS brackets, standard deduction and Social Security wage base; 2027 uses the figures the IRS and SSA published for 2027 (it switches automatically on January 1). Paychecks from January 2027 are withheld on the 2027 figures.
401(k) contributions lower your income tax but not Social Security and Medicare. Health premiums taken out under a cafeteria plan lower both.
Example: a single person in Texas earning $75,000, paid every two weeks, putting 5% into a 401(k). The 401(k) takes $3,750 a year, so federal taxable income is $75,000 − $3,750 − $16,100 = $55,150 and federal tax is $6,845. Social Security is $4,650 and Medicare $1,087.50. Take-home pay is $58,667.50 a year, or $2,256.44 per paycheck. In Pennsylvania, where 401(k) contributions don't lower state tax, the 3.07% flat tax on the full $75,000 takes another $88.56 per paycheck.
2026 federal income tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $12,400 | $0 to $24,800 | $0 to $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 to $50,400 | $24,801 to $100,800 | $17,701 to $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 to $105,700 | $100,801 to $211,400 | $67,451 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 to $201,775 | $211,401 to $403,550 | $105,701 to $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 to $256,225 | $403,551 to $512,450 | $201,751 to $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 to $640,600 | $512,451 to $768,700 | $256,201 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
Standard deduction: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household. Only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, so a raise never lowers your take-home pay.
For 2027 the standard deduction rises to $16,600 single, $33,200 married and $24,925 head of household, and the Social Security wage base to $192,300. See the full 2027 tax brackets.
What this paycheck estimate leaves out
- Your W-4. Your employer withholds based on your W-4. Extra withholding, dependents or a second job change what comes out of each check, though your yearly tax ends up the same.
- Tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit, and new deductions for tips and overtime. These usually show up as a refund rather than a bigger paycheck.
- Some state credits and local taxes. The calculator applies each state's 2026 brackets, standard deduction and personal exemptions, and the main phase-outs, but not state tax credits. Cities and counties in about a dozen states add their own income tax; enter yours in the Local income tax box.
- Other payroll deductions such as state disability insurance in California, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii and Rhode Island, and paid family leave in several states.
To turn hourly pay into a salary first, use the salary converter. For overtime, use the overtime calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of my paycheck for taxes in 2026?
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) take 7.65% of most paychecks. Federal income tax depends on your income and filing status: a single person earning $75,000 pays about 9% of gross pay. State tax adds 0% to about 5% in most states.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage limit?
$184,500. Social Security tax stops once your wages for the year pass that amount, so high earners see bigger paychecks late in the year. Medicare has no limit.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don't tax wages.
Why is my real paycheck different?
Your employer withholds using your W-4 and the IRS withholding tables, which spread tax evenly over the year and may not match your final bill exactly. Benefits, local taxes and state payroll programs also differ. The difference usually comes back as a refund or a balance due when you file.
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Sources
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
- Social Security Administration: Contribution and benefit base
- IRS Topic no. 560: Additional Medicare tax
- Tax Foundation: State individual income tax rates and brackets, 2026
- Office of the Governor of Georgia: HB 463 lowers the income tax rate to 4.99% for 2026