Free Paycheck Calculator

Subtract federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) from your gross pay. Our calculator does this instantly for all 50 states.

For most Americans, 20-35% of gross pay goes to taxes. This includes federal income tax (10-37%), state tax (0-13.3%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Your exact rate depends on income level, filing status, and state.

Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in these states means higher take-home pay.

Social Security tax is 6.2% of your gross pay, up to the wage base of $176,100. Your employer pays an additional 6.2%. Income above the wage base is not subject to Social Security tax.

Yes. Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, meaning they reduce your taxable income. For example, contributing 6% of a $100,000 salary saves you $1,320-$2,220 in federal taxes annually, depending on your bracket.

FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes, totaling 7.65% of your gross pay. These fund retirement and healthcare benefits.

Adjust your W-4 form with your employer. You can claim additional deductions on Step 4(b) or reduce extra withholding on Step 4(c). Use our W-4 calculator to find the right settings.

The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. This amount is subtracted from your gross income before calculating federal tax.

Bi-weekly means 26 paychecks per year (every two weeks). Semi-monthly means 24 paychecks per year (on specific dates like the 1st and 15th). Bi-weekly paychecks are slightly smaller but you get two extra per year.

Our calculator uses 2026 federal tax brackets, current FICA rates, and state-specific tax data for all 50 states. Results are estimates for planning purposes. Actual withholding may vary based on your specific W-4 settings and local taxes.