Estimate your take-home pay after federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.
How the Paycheck Calculator Works
Our paycheck calculator estimates your take-home pay by applying current federal income tax brackets, state income tax rates, and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) to your gross salary. The tool provides a detailed breakdown of every deduction so you can understand exactly where your money goes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter your annual gross salary before any deductions.
- Select your pay frequency — how often you receive your paycheck.
- Choose your state of residence. State tax rates vary significantly; some states like Texas and Florida have no income tax at all.
- Select your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household).
- Enter any pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions or HSA contributions. These reduce your taxable income.
- Click "Calculate Paycheck" to see your results.
Understanding Your Tax Breakdown
The calculator computes four main categories of deductions:
- Federal Income Tax: Based on progressive tax brackets for 2024. The first dollars you earn are taxed at a lower rate, and higher income is taxed at progressively higher rates.
- State Income Tax: Varies by state. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) have no state income tax.
- Social Security (FICA-OASDI): 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base limit ($168,600 for 2024).
- Medicare (FICA-HI): 1.45% of all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
2024 Federal Tax Brackets (Single)
- 10% on income up to $11,600
- 12% on income from $11,601 to $47,150
- 22% on income from $47,151 to $100,525
- 24% on income from $100,526 to $191,950
- 32% on income from $191,951 to $243,725
- 35% on income from $243,726 to $609,350
- 37% on income over $609,350
Married Filing Jointly brackets are exactly double these thresholds. Head of Household brackets fall between Single and Married rates.
State Income Tax Overview
State income tax is one of the biggest variables in your take-home pay calculation. Here is a quick overview of the three categories of state tax systems:
- No Income Tax States (9): Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. Residents of these states keep more of each paycheck.
- Flat Tax States (13): Arizona (2.5%), Colorado (4.4%), Illinois (4.95%), Indiana (3.05%), Kentucky (4%), Massachusetts (5%), Michigan (4.25%), Mississippi (5%), North Carolina (4.75%), Pennsylvania (3.07%), Utah (4.65%), and others with a single rate for all income levels.
- Progressive Tax States (28+): Most states use a progressive system similar to the federal one, with rates increasing as income rises. California has the highest top rate at 13.3%, while New York's top rate is 10.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
This calculator provides a good estimate based on 2024 federal tax brackets and approximate state tax rates. For precise numbers, it does not account for local/city taxes (e.g., NYC, Yonkers), additional Medicare tax for high earners, tax credits, itemized deductions, or state-specific deductions. For an exact figure, consult your pay stub or a tax professional.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income before federal and state taxes are calculated. Common examples include 401(k) retirement contributions (up to $23,000 in 2024), Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, traditional IRA contributions, and certain health insurance premiums. A $5,000 401(k) contribution on a $75,000 salary means you only pay taxes on $70,000.
What is FICA tax?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax funds Social Security and Medicare programs. It consists of two parts: Social Security tax at 6.2% on wages up to $168,600 (2024 limit), and Medicare tax at 1.45% on all wages with no cap. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Your employer matches these contributions, effectively doubling the total.
How does pay frequency affect my paycheck?
Pay frequency determines how often you receive a paycheck and how much each check is for. With a $75,000 salary: annual (1 check of $75K), monthly (12 checks of $6,250), semi-monthly (24 checks of $3,125), bi-weekly (26 checks of $2,884.62), or weekly (52 checks of $1,442.31). The total annual amount remains the same, but each check size changes. Bi-weekly pay results in two "extra" paychecks per year compared to semi-monthly (26 vs 24).
Why is my effective tax rate lower than my tax bracket?
The US uses a progressive tax system, meaning only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. If you earn $100,000 as a single filer, only the amount above $47,150 is taxed at 22%, not your entire income. Your first $11,600 is taxed at 10%, and income from $11,601 to $47,150 is taxed at 12%. This "bracket averaging" means your effective rate is always lower than your marginal (top) rate.
Does this calculator include local/city taxes?
No, this calculator only accounts for federal and state income taxes plus FICA. Some cities impose additional income taxes, such as New York City (3.876% on top of state tax), Yonkers, Detroit, and several cities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. If you live in a city with local income tax, your actual take-home pay will be slightly lower than what this calculator shows.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last (highest) dollar of income — this is your "tax bracket." Your effective tax rate is the total tax you pay divided by your total income. For example, if you pay $12,000 in taxes on a $75,000 salary, your effective rate is 16%, even though your marginal rate might be 22%. The effective rate gives a more accurate picture of your overall tax burden.
How does filing status affect my taxes?
Filing status determines the income thresholds for each tax bracket. Single filers have the narrowest brackets, while Married Filing Jointly filers have brackets exactly twice as wide, effectively halving the tax rate for dual-income couples. Head of Household status (for unmarried individuals supporting dependents) offers brackets between Single and Married rates, providing a tax benefit over filing as Single.
Are there states with no income tax?
Yes, nine states currently have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. New Hampshire only taxes dividend and interest income (not wages), and is phasing that out. Residents of these states generally have a higher take-home pay, though some compensate with higher sales taxes, property taxes, or other fees.
What tax year does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the 2024 federal tax brackets and 2024 FICA thresholds (Social Security wage base of $168,600, additional Medicare threshold of $200,000/$250,000). State rates are approximate effective rates for 2024. Tax laws change annually, so always verify with current IRS publications or a tax professional for the most up-to-date rates.