Paycheck Tax Calculator
Calculate your exact net take-home pay after all taxes and deductions are removed from your gross paycheck.
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Net Take-Home Pay
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Federal Income Tax
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FICA (SS + Medicare)
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State Tax
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Annual Take-Home
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Paycheck Breakdown
Estimate only. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections, employer payroll system, and local taxes. This calculator estimates federal and FICA taxes only — local taxes may apply in some cities.
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Understanding Your Paycheck Deductions
Most employees are surprised by how much is withheld from each paycheck. Understanding each deduction helps you make smarter decisions about withholding, retirement contributions, and benefits elections. See also our federal income tax calculator for your annual picture.
- FICA is unavoidable for employees. Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are withheld on every paycheck. Social Security has a wage base limit — once your income exceeds it for the year, Social Security withholding stops. Medicare has no cap. Your employer matches these amounts on your behalf.
- Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income. Every dollar contributed to a traditional 401(k), HSA, or FSA reduces both your federal income tax and your state income tax withholding. It does not reduce FICA. A $500/month 401(k) contribution effectively costs you less than $500 after the tax savings.
- Your W-4 controls federal withholding. The W-4 tells your employer how much to withhold. Filing as Single withholding more than Married. Claiming additional withholding or deductions on the W-4 adjusts your per-paycheck federal tax. Update it after major life changes.
- State income tax varies dramatically by state. Nine states have no income tax. California's top rate exceeds 13%. Enter your state's rate to get an accurate take-home estimate. Check our tax refund estimator to see your annual picture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) consists of two taxes: Social Security at 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base, and Medicare at 1.45% of all wages. An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). Your employer pays a matching 6.2% + 1.45% on your behalf.
Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and Section 125 FSA contributions are subtracted from your gross pay before federal and state income taxes are calculated. This reduces your taxable income per paycheck, lowering your withholding. FICA taxes are still calculated on your full gross pay (before pre-tax deductions) for most plan types.
Your first paycheck may differ because Social Security withholding restarts from zero each January. If you hit the Social Security wage base in a prior year and withholding stopped in the last few months, it restarts in January at 6.2% again. Also, new tax tables may apply in January.
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal income tax, FICA, state income tax, pre-tax benefit contributions, and post-tax deductions are all removed. Most employees take home 65–80% of their gross pay depending on their tax bracket and deductions.
Options to increase take-home pay: (1) Increase W-4 allowances if you have been getting large refunds. (2) Maximize pre-tax contributions that reduce taxable income. (3) Contribute to an HSA if eligible — triple tax advantage. (4) Review post-tax deductions for unnecessary benefits. Note that reducing withholding too much can result in an underpayment penalty at filing.