Paycheck calculator by state

How to use this paycheck calculator

1. Choose Salary or Hourly at the top of the calculator.
2. Enter your gross pay, pay frequency, filing status, and state.
3. Open Pre-tax deductions to add 401(k), HSA, and health insurance contributions.
4. Open Post-tax deductions for Roth contributions or extra withholding.
5. Toggle the results panel between per check, monthly, and yearly to see your real take-home.

How federal income tax is calculated

Federal income tax is progressive: different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. For 2026, a single filer pays 10% on the first $11,925 of taxable income, 12% on the next portion up to $48,475, 22% up to $103,350, and so on. Your marginal bracket is the rate on your last dollar earned. Your effective rate — what actually comes out of your check — is always lower because earlier dollars were taxed at lower rates. Before tax is applied, the standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 MFJ) is subtracted from your gross wages.

Understanding FICA taxes

FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It funds Social Security and Medicare. As a W-2 employee:

• Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $176,100.
• Medicare: 1.45% on all wages with no cap, plus an extra 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).

Your employer matches the 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare on their side — you only see your half on your pay stub.

States with no income tax

Nine states do not tax wage income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in a no-tax state means more take-home pay, but most of these states make up the revenue elsewhere — higher sales tax, property tax, or specific levies (Washington's 7% capital gains tax, for example). Your overall cost of living matters more than the income tax line alone.

How to reduce your tax withholding (legally)

• Max your 401(k): 2026 employee limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+). Every dollar reduces federal and state taxable income.
• Contribute to an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan: $4,300 self / $8,550 family in 2026. HSA contributions also lower FICA.
• Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare or dependent care if your employer offers one.
• Update your W-4 after major life events — marriage, a new child, a second job, or a spouse's job change all affect your correct withholding.

Paycheck calculator FAQ