Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay per paycheck after 2026 federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax, 401(k) and health premiums.
How your paycheck is calculated
Your gross pay is what you earn before anything is taken out. Your take-home (net) pay is what lands in your bank account after four kinds of deductions:
- Federal income tax, based on your filing status and the 2026 tax brackets, after the standard deduction.
- FICA taxes: Social Security at 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 in 2026, and Medicare at 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% on wages above $200,000 for single filers.
- State and local income tax, which ranges from zero in nine states to over 13% at the top rate in California.
- Pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums, which lower your taxable income.
Example: $65,000 salary paid every two weeks
A single filer earning $65,000 who puts 5% into a 401(k) and pays a 4% state tax earns $2,500 gross per paycheck. After about $201 of federal income tax, $191 of FICA, $95 of state tax and a $125 401(k) contribution, take-home pay is roughly $1,888 per paycheck, or about $49,100 a year.
2026 federal tax brackets (single)
| Rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household (IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32).
Why your real paycheck may differ
Employers withhold tax using your W-4 form, which can include extra withholding, dependents and other income. Bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22%. Local taxes in cities such as New York City or Philadelphia, and state disability insurance in a few states, are not included. Treat the result as a close estimate and compare it with your pay stub.
Ways to increase take-home pay
- Review your W-4 if you get a large refund every year; you may be over-withholding.
- Use pre-tax benefits such as an HSA or FSA for health and dependent care costs.
- Remember that 401(k) contributions reduce take-home pay by less than their face value, because they also cut your income tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of my paycheck?
For most workers, federal income tax plus 7.65% FICA (Social Security and Medicare), plus any state and local tax and pre-tax benefits. A typical single filer earning $50,000–$80,000 keeps roughly 75–85% of gross pay, depending mostly on state tax.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce Social Security tax?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce federal (and most state) income tax, but Social Security and Medicare are still charged on them.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not tax wages. Set the state rate to 0 if you live in one of them.
Last reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Results are estimates; check important decisions with a qualified professional.