Paycheck Tax Calculator

Your paycheck never matches your salary divided by pay periods — taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and pre-tax benefits come out first. Understanding each line on your pay stub helps you plan, set realistic budgets, and avoid surprises at tax time.

Federal withholding

Your employer uses your W-4 to estimate annual federal income tax and divides it across paychecks. If life events change — marriage, a child, a side business — submitting a new W-4 keeps withholding accurate.

Social Security and Medicare (FICA)

You pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to $184,500 in 2026 (the wage base) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages. High earners pay an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax once wages exceed $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (joint). Employers match the regular 6.2% and 1.45%.

State withholding

Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. The rest withhold at flat or graduated rates. Our calculator uses an average effective rate for simplicity.

Pre-tax benefits

401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and many health insurance premiums reduce taxable wages before federal and (usually) state tax is calculated. This is one of the highest-ROI moves available to most W-2 employees.