You enter your gross pay per paycheck and your federal and state income tax rates. The tool applies those flat rates plus the standard FICA rates (6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare) to compute each deduction and your net take-home pay. It then multiplies net pay by your pay frequency to project an annualized figure. It does not model progressive tax brackets, pretax deductions, or the Social Security wage base cap.
Check your most recent pay stub for the effective federal withholding percentage, or use your marginal tax bracket as a rough estimate. For 2026, the brackets range from 10% to 37% depending on taxable income and filing status.
Real payroll uses progressive brackets, your W-4 elections, and pretax deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA deposits — all of which reduce your taxable gross before withholding is calculated. This tool applies flat rates to the full gross.
Yes, up to the annual wage base ($176,100 in 2025). Earnings above that threshold are exempt from Social Security tax, though Medicare has no cap and adds an extra 0.9% surtax on high earners.
Self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer share of FICA, totaling 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). You can deduct the employer-equivalent half on your tax return. This calculator models the employee side only.
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.