How It Works
This calculator estimates federal income tax using the 2026 IRS standard deduction and marginal tax brackets, then adds Social Security tax (6.2%, up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500) and Medicare tax (1.45%, plus an additional 0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 joint).
State income tax is calculated using the flat rate you enter, since actual state tax systems vary widely — some states have no income tax, others have their own brackets. This is a simplification, not a substitute for your actual state's rules.
Formula
- Federal tax — 2026 IRS brackets applied to (gross − deductions − standard deduction)
- Social Security — 6.2% of gross, up to the $184,500 wage base
- Medicare — 1.45% of gross, plus 0.9% above the threshold for your filing status
Example
Example inputs: Annual gross income $80,000, single, no pre-tax deductions, 5% state tax rate.
Result: Federal income tax: $8,770.00. Social Security: $4,960.00. Medicare: $1,160.00. State tax: $4,000.00. Estimated take-home pay: $61,110.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?
Real paycheck withholding depends on your W-4 elections, actual state and local tax rules, health insurance and other benefit deductions, and how your employer calculates withholding — all of which this simplified calculator doesn't fully model.
What if my state has no income tax?
Enter 0 for the state tax rate.
Where do the federal tax figures come from?
The 2026 IRS standard deduction and tax brackets (IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32) and the 2026 Social Security wage base published by the Social Security Administration. These figures update annually — recheck them for future tax years.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice.