Calculate your take-home pay after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and deductions. All 50 states supported with 2026 tax rates.
This paycheck calculator uses 2026 federal income tax brackets and state income tax rates to estimate your take-home pay. Pre-tax deductions like 401k contributions and health insurance premiums are subtracted before calculating federal and state taxes, showing their true tax savings. State income tax rates are approximate — your actual withholding may vary based on your W-4 elections and employer policies. Always verify with your actual pay stub. All calculations run in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
Federal income tax withholding depends on your income, filing status, and W-4 elections. A single filer earning $5,000 biweekly ($130,000/year) might have 22–24% federal tax withheld. Add 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare, plus state income tax. Total federal + FICA taxes are typically 20–35% of gross pay for most workers.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is the combined Social Security and Medicare tax withheld from every paycheck. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security (on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) and 1.45% for Medicare (on all wages). Your employer matches these amounts. Self-employed individuals pay both halves (15.3% total) as self-employment tax.
Increase take-home pay by: (1) Contributing to a pre-tax 401k or HSA, which reduces taxable income; (2) Updating your W-4 to reflect your actual situation (married, dependents, etc.); (3) Contributing to a Dependent Care FSA if you have childcare expenses; (4) Checking if you qualify for tax credits. Consult a tax professional to optimize your withholding.
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — the salary or hourly rate you agreed to. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401k contributions, health insurance premiums, and any other deductions are withheld. Net pay is typically 65–80% of gross pay.
Traditional 401k contributions reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. A 6% contribution on a $5,000 paycheck = $300 taken from gross. However, it reduces your taxable income, so your federal tax withholding decreases. The net effect on take-home pay is less than $300 — often $210–$240 depending on your tax bracket — making 401k contributions very efficient.