Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what you take home. Calculate federal, state, and FICA taxes with deductions and withholdings.
Tax Withholdings
Payroll Summary
Understanding Your Paycheck
Learn what taxes and deductions affect your take-home pay.
Federal Income Tax
Progressive tax that varies by income bracket. Single filers have different rates than married filers. Withholding depends on your W-4 elections.
State Income Tax
Varies by state. Some states (like TX, WA, WY) have no income tax. Others use progressive brackets. Check your state's specific rules.
FICA Taxes
Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% on all income). Higher earners pay additional 0.9% Medicare tax above $200k.
Pre-tax Deductions
401(k), health insurance, FSA, and HSA contributions are deducted before taxes, reducing your taxable income and tax burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about paychecks and taxes.
Why is my actual paycheck different?
This calculator uses 2024 tax brackets. Your actual amount depends on your W-4 elections, employer-specific deductions, bonuses, and other factors.
How often should I update my W-4?
Update when you change jobs, get married/divorced, have children, or if you owe taxes or expect a large refund. The IRS tax withholding estimator is a great tool.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Contributions to 401(k), health insurance, FSA, and HSA come out before income taxes are calculated, reducing both your taxable income and taxes owed.
How much Social Security can I earn?
Social Security tax (6.2%) applies to income up to $168,600 (2024 limit). Medicare tax (1.45%) applies to all income with no limit.
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