Paycheck Calculator (Federal)
100% in your browser — nothing is uploadedFederal taxes only (2026IRS tables) — state & local tax not included
Reduces federal income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare
Estimated take-home per paycheck
$2,450.12
$63,703 per year · 18.3% effective federal rate
Assumes the standard deduction, no credits, and no other income. If your state has an income tax, actual take-home will be lower.
This calculator estimates your take-home pay using the official 2026 federal tax brackets (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32), the 2026 standard deduction, and current FICA rates including the $184,500 Social Security wage base. Enter your gross pay and see the annual and per-paycheck breakdown instantly.
It is deliberately federal-only: state and local income taxes vary across more than 40 different systems and change constantly, so rather than estimate them badly, this tool shows the federal picture precisely and says so. If your state has an income tax, your actual take-home will be lower than shown here.
How to use the paycheck calculator (federal)
- Enter your gross pay and how often you're paid.
- Choose your filing status.
- Add any pre-tax 401(k)/retirement contribution.
- Read your estimated net pay per period, with the full federal tax and FICA breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Which taxes does this include?
Federal income tax (2026 brackets with the standard deduction), Social Security (6.2% up to the $184,500 2026 wage base), and Medicare (1.45%, plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly). State and local taxes are not included.
Why doesn't it include my state taxes?
State income tax ranges from 0% in nine states to over 13% in California, with different brackets, deductions, and local add-ons. A federal-only number that's accurate beats a fifty-state estimate that's wrong. State support is on our roadmap.
How are 401(k) contributions handled?
Traditional 401(k) deferrals reduce your federal income tax but not Social Security or Medicare tax — that's how real payroll works, and this calculator matches it.
Is this exact?
It's an estimate that assumes the standard deduction, no credits, and no other income. Your W-4 settings, itemized deductions, credits, and benefits like health premiums will shift the real figure. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.