What every calculation includes
- Federal income tax using the 2026 brackets and standard deduction for single filers and married couples filing jointly. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable wages.
- Social Security at 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500.
- Medicare at 1.45% of all wages, plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
- State income tax for all 50 states and DC, using each state's brackets or flat rate, standard deduction or exemption, and the main credits that apply to wages.
- State payroll programs paid by employees where they exist, such as disability and paid family leave contributions.
How a paycheck is estimated
The calculator turns your pay into an annual amount, subtracts pre-tax 401(k) contributions, applies the standard deduction, and runs the federal brackets. It then adds FICA and the state rules, and divides the result by your number of pay periods. Comparison pages and the bonus, overtime, raise and hourly tools run the same engine twice (for example with and without a bonus) and report the difference.
Assumptions
- One job, with wages as your only income, and the standard deduction (no itemizing).
- Single or married filing jointly. Head of household is not modeled yet.
- Pre-tax health insurance, HSA and other deductions are not included unless you subtract them from your pay.
- Rules are for the 2026 tax year. Some state figures for 2026 may be updated by the state after publication.
What is not included
- City and county income taxes, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and local taxes in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Maryland uses an assumed county rate.
- Some state programs and credits that depend on personal circumstances, for example low-income credits.
- Washington's payroll programs and similar new state programs may be incomplete.
- Self-employment tax, investment income, and tax credits such as the child tax credit.
Why your paycheck may differ
Real withholding depends on your Form W-4, your employer's payroll system and benefits you choose. This tool estimates your tax, not the exact withholding on a given paycheck, so small differences are normal. Treat the result as a planning estimate.
Federal and national sources
State tax agencies
Each state sets its own rules and can change them during the year. Check the official agency before you file or make a major decision.
Corrections
If a number looks wrong for your state, please tell us at the contact page with your state, salary and what you expected. We check each report against the official source and update the calculator.
This site provides estimates for information only. It is not tax, legal or financial advice.