How this estimate works
We start from your gross pay and take off anything you put into a traditional 401(k) and other pre-tax payroll deductions. From what is left we subtract the 2026 standard deduction for your filing status, then apply the federal tax brackets one slice at a time. Only the part of your income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket’s rate, which is why moving into a higher bracket never lowers your take-home pay.
Social Security and Medicare (together called FICA) are worked out separately. They are charged on your wages before 401(k) deferrals, because a traditional 401(k) lowers income tax but not FICA. Health insurance premiums paid through a cafeteria plan are exempt from both.
2026 federal figures used
| Standard deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
| Rate | Single (taxable income) | Married filing jointly | 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 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 | $201,750 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 | $256,200 – $640,600 |
| 37% | over $640,600 | over $768,700 | over $640,600 |
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 per person in 2026. Pay above that is not taxed for Social Security.
- Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, plus an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on wages over $200,000 (single or head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Your employer starts withholding the extra 0.9% once your pay passes $200,000 in the year, whatever your filing status.
- 401(k): employee limit $24,500, or $32,500 if you are 50 or older. People aged 60 to 63 can add up to $11,250 instead of $8,000.
State income tax
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not tax wages, so the calculator sets state tax to zero there. Every other state and Washington, DC has its own rules. Some charge one flat rate; others use brackets, credits and their own deductions. Instead of guessing, enter your state’s rate. If your state uses brackets, divide the state tax on last year’s return by your state taxable income for a good effective rate. Local income taxes, such as New York City’s, are not included.
What the estimate leaves out
This is your expected yearly tax bill spread evenly across paychecks. Your real paychecks depend on the Form W-4 you gave your employer, so you may get a refund or owe a little when you file. The calculator does not include tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit), itemized deductions, the temporary 2025–2028 deductions for tips, overtime and seniors, or income other than wages. Head of household status needs a qualifying person, usually a child or relative you support.
Sources
- IRS: tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (PDF)
- Social Security Administration: contribution and benefit base
- Federal Register: 2026 Social Security wage base notice (PDF)
- IRS Topic 560: Additional Medicare Tax
- IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026
Figures last checked against these sources on November 4, 2026. This tool gives an estimate for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.