Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Estimate your take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state tax — with 401(k) and health insurance deductions handled as pre-tax. Based on tax year 2026 figures (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, SSA 2026 wage base).
Income details
Where your gross pay goes (annual)
Methodology & 2026 tax figures
Federal income tax is computed bracket-by-bracket on taxable income (gross salary minus pre-tax 401(k) and health premiums, minus the standard deduction), per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32:
| Rate | Single | Married (joint) | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 | $17,700 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 | $67,450 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 | $105,700 – $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 | $201,775 – $256,225 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 | $256,225 – $640,600 |
| 37% | $640,600+ | $768,700+ | $640,600+ |
Standard deduction (2026): $16,100 single / married filing separately · $32,200 married filing jointly · $24,150 head of household.
FICA: Social Security 6.2% on wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500 (SSA); Medicare 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% additional Medicare above $200,000. Traditional 401(k) deferrals reduce income tax but not FICA — this calculator models that correctly.
State tax is simplified to a single effective rate (or zero for the nine states without a wage income tax). Many states have their own deductions and local taxes — treat the state figure as an estimate.
Related tools
🎯 Put your pre-tax 401(k) to work: 401(k) retirement calculator · 📈 Plan what to do with the surplus: compound interest calculator.