Free Paycheck Calculator — Estimate Your Take-Home Pay (2026)
Last updated: July 2026Tax data: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32
This free paycheck calculator helps you estimate your net (take-home) pay for the 2026 tax year. Whether you're paid a salary or hourly wage, it calculates federal income tax using the latest IRS marginal brackets, FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes, and state income tax for all 50 states plus Washington, DC. Account for pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance, and HSA/FSA to see how they boost your take-home pay. Designed for employees, freelancers comparing W-2 offers, and anyone who wants to understand exactly where their paycheck goes. All calculations run entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Enter Your Pay Details
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Your Paycheck Breakdown
Per Period (Biweekly)
Gross Pay$0
Federal Income Tax$0
State Income Tax$0
Social Security$0
Medicare$0
Pre-Tax Deductions$0
Post-Tax Deductions$0
Net Take-Home Pay$0
Annual Summary
$0
Gross Pay
$0
Federal Tax
$0
State Tax
$0
FICA Total
$0
Total Deductions
$0
Net Annual
Understanding Your Paycheck: How US Taxes Work in 2026
How federal tax brackets work. The US federal income tax uses a progressive (marginal) system. This means you don't pay a single rate on all your income. Instead, your income is divided into layers (brackets), and each layer is taxed at its own rate. For 2026, the rates range from 10% to 37%. For example, if you're a single filer with $80,000 of taxable income, the first $12,400 is taxed at 10%, the next $38,000 ($12,400 to $50,400) is taxed at 12%, and the remaining $29,600 is taxed at 22%. Your marginal rate is 22%, but your effective rate is lower — around 14-15% in this example.
What is FICA? The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) mandates two payroll taxes: Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages with no cap). If you earn over $200,000, an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies. Unlike income tax, FICA is a flat percentage of your wages (up to the Social Security wage base). These taxes fund retirement, disability, and healthcare benefits. Note that pre-tax retirement contributions like 401(k) deferrals are still subject to FICA taxes.
How state tax varies. State income tax ranges from 0% (in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming) to as high as 13.3% in California. Some states use a flat rate (e.g., Pennsylvania at 3.07%, Illinois at 4.95%), while others have progressive brackets similar to the federal system. Your state tax liability depends entirely on where you live and work. This calculator applies each state's 2026 tax structure — whether no tax, flat rate, or graduated brackets — to your taxable income.
Difference between gross and net pay. Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — the number on your offer letter or hourly rate multiplied by hours worked. Net pay (take-home pay) is what actually hits your bank account after your employer withholds federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any voluntary deductions like health insurance premiums or retirement contributions. The gap between gross and net typically ranges from 15% to 40% depending on your income, location, and benefit elections. Understanding this difference is essential for budgeting, comparing job offers, and planning your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay (net pay) is your gross earnings minus federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any pre-tax and post-tax deductions. This calculator applies 2026 marginal tax brackets and FICA rates to estimate your net pay for each pay period and annually.
Why is my paycheck less than my salary?
Your salary is your gross pay, but your employer must withhold federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and state income tax (if applicable). Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health insurance also reduce your paycheck. The sum of these withholdings and deductions is why your net pay is lower than your salary.
Which states have no income tax?
As of 2026, nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Residents of these states only pay federal income tax and FICA, resulting in higher take-home pay.
How do federal tax brackets work?
The US uses a progressive (marginal) tax system. Each portion of your income is taxed at the rate of the bracket it falls into, not all at your highest rate. For example, a single filer earning $80,000 pays 10% on the first $12,400, 12% on $12,400-$50,400, and 22% on the remaining amount above $50,400.
What is FICA and how much does it cost me?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) funds Social Security and Medicare. Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security (up to the $184,500 wage base) and 1.45% for Medicare (no wage cap). High earners also pay 0.9% Additional Medicare tax on wages over $200,000. These are mandatory withholdings on almost all wage income.
Does this calculator include local or city taxes?
No. This calculator does not include local, city, or county income taxes, which apply in some areas (e.g., New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco). Local taxes can add 1-4% to your tax burden depending on your location. Check your local tax authority for specific rates.
Does a pre-tax 401(k) reduce my Social Security and Medicare taxes?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal and state income tax, but they are still subject to Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars and do not reduce your current income tax or FICA.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after all taxes and deductions are subtracted. The difference typically ranges from 15-40% of gross pay depending on your income level, state of residence, and benefit elections. This calculator helps you see exactly where each dollar goes.