You enter your gross annual salary, filing status, and state. The tool applies the IRS marginal tax brackets for your filing status, adds a flat state income tax rate, and layers on FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). It does not model the standard deduction, itemized deductions, tax credits, pre-tax 401(k) contributions, or the Social Security wage base cap.
The U.S. uses progressive taxation — you pay 10% on the first portion of income, 12% on the next portion, and so on. Only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. Your effective rate is the weighted average across all brackets, which is always lower than your highest (marginal) bracket.
No. This calculator applies tax brackets to the full gross salary without subtracting the standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 married in 2024). Your actual federal tax will be lower because taxable income is reduced by deductions. Treat this as a conservative upper estimate.
Pre-tax 401(k) and traditional IRA contributions reduce your taxable income before federal and state tax are calculated, lowering your tax bill. This calculator does not model those deductions. If you contribute to a pre-tax retirement plan, your actual take-home will differ.
No. As of 2024, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (dividends/interest only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax on wages. This calculator includes a selection of states — pick yours from the dropdown for an approximate state tax figure.
Yes. Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to earnings up to the wage base limit ($176,100 in 2025). Income above that threshold is not subject to Social Security tax. This calculator does not model the cap, so high earners will see a slightly overstated FICA figure.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas — they are not financial, tax, legal, health, or investment advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.