Free · No sign-up · Updated for 2026 federal brackets
See exactly where every dollar of your paycheck goes.
Enter your pay, filing status, and deductions. Watch a real pay stub build itself line by line — federal, state, local, Social Security, Medicare, and your take-home total.
How this calculator works
Federal income tax
Calculated using 2026 IRS marginal tax brackets and the standard deduction for your filing status, then reduced by an estimated child/dependent credit — the same logic payroll systems use under Form W-4.
State & local tax
Every state is modeled using its own flat rate, marginal brackets, or "no income tax" status. Select a well-known city tax (like NYC or Philadelphia) or enter your own local rate.
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)
6.2% Social Security up to the 2026 wage base ($184,500), 1.45% Medicare on all wages, plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare surtax above IRS thresholds.
Pre-tax vs. post-tax deductions
Traditional 401(k), HSA, and cafeteria-plan benefits reduce taxable wages before federal/state tax is calculated. Roth 401(k) is withheld after tax, exactly like real payroll.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bonus taxed so much higher than my regular pay?
The IRS lets employers withhold federal tax on bonuses and commissions using a flat 22% "supplemental wage" rate instead of your normal bracket rate. It often feels like a bigger bite, but it's a withholding method, not a permanently higher tax rate — any excess is reconciled when you file your return.
Why does this number differ from my actual paycheck?
Your employer's payroll system uses your actual W-4 elections, exact benefit costs, and your state/local jurisdiction's official withholding tables. This calculator uses simplified 2026 brackets to give you a close estimate for planning — treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Does this calculator work for self-employed or 1099 income?
No — this tool models W-2 employee paychecks, where your employer withholds and matches part of your FICA taxes. Self-employed workers pay self-employment tax (both halves of FICA) and estimated quarterly taxes instead.