Finance

Take Home Pay Calculator

Estimate your 2026 net paycheck after federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.

Quick Answer

Take-home pay is your gross salary minus federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100 in 2026), and Medicare (1.45%). A single filer earning $75,000 in a no-income-tax state takes home roughly $59,000-$61,000 after federal taxes and FICA. Your effective tax rate is typically much lower than your marginal bracket.

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Standard deduction: $15,700

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions. State tax estimates use simplified top marginal rates and may not reflect your actual state liability. This tool does not account for itemized deductions, tax credits, pre-tax contributions (401k, HSA), or local taxes. Always consult a qualified tax professional for personalized advice. Tax laws are subject to change.
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About This Tool

The Take Home Pay Calculator estimates your net paycheck after all major tax deductions for the 2026 tax year. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a budget, or simply curious about where your money goes, this tool provides an instant breakdown of your federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholdings.

Your take-home pay depends on several factors: your gross salary, filing status, pay frequency, and the state you live in. The calculator uses the 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction amounts, along with current FICA rates (6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare) to compute your estimated net pay per paycheck and annually.

Understanding Your Tax Bracket

The U.S. uses a progressive federal income tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. For example, a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026 would pay 10% on the first $11,925 of taxable income, 12% on income from $11,925 to $48,475, and 22% on income from $48,475 to $59,300 (after the $15,700 standard deduction). Your marginal tax rate is 22%, but your effective tax rate is much lower.

State Tax Impact

State income taxes vary dramatically across the U.S. Nine states charge no income tax at all, while California's top rate reaches 13.3%. This calculator applies the top marginal state rate as a simplified estimate. Your actual state tax may be lower due to state-specific brackets, deductions, and credits.

For a detailed breakdown of what affects your paycheck, read our complete guide: Take Home Pay vs Gross Pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is federal income tax calculated on my paycheck?
Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system. For 2026, rates range from 10% to 37%. Your taxable income is your gross salary minus the standard deduction ($15,700 single / $31,400 married). Each portion of income is taxed at the corresponding bracket rate, not a single flat rate.
What is FICA and how much is deducted?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act and funds Social Security and Medicare. In 2026, you pay 6.2% for Social Security (on earnings up to $176,100) and 1.45% for Medicare (no cap). An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to earnings over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in these states means more take-home pay, though they may have higher sales or property taxes.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total salary before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are withheld. Your net pay is always lower than your gross pay.
How does pay frequency affect my paycheck amount?
Pay frequency determines how many paychecks you receive per year: weekly (52), bi-weekly (26), semi-monthly (24), or monthly (12). While your annual take-home pay stays the same, each individual paycheck is larger with less frequent pay periods. Bi-weekly is the most common frequency in the U.S.

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