What actually lands in your bank account each payday — using real 2026 IRS numbers, not last year's.
State tax is a flat estimate — enter 0 if you're in AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA or WY. Most other states land between 3% and 6% effective.
| Where it goes (per paycheck) | Amount |
|---|
Your employer's withholding may differ slightly — this is your true full-year math, which is what your refund or bill in April reconciles.
Four things come out before money reaches you: federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% extra above $200,000), and state income tax. Pre-tax benefits like a 401(k) and health premiums come out first — they shrink your taxable income, which is why contributing to a 401(k) costs you less than the sticker amount.
Being "in the 22% bracket" does not mean you pay 22% on everything. You pay 10% on the first slice, 12% on the next, and 22% only on dollars above that line. Your real overall rate — shown above — is almost always much lower than your bracket.
2026 IRS brackets and standard deduction (Rev. Proc. 2025-32), no itemizing, no dependents' credits, 401(k) is traditional (pre-tax for income tax but still FICA-taxed), and health premiums are Section 125 (exempt from both). State tax is a flat rate you control — real state brackets vary, so treat that line as a close estimate.
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Your gross pay is what you earn; your take-home (net) pay is what's left after taxes and deductions. This calculator estimates the federal side of that gap. It applies federal income tax using the current tax brackets and the standard deduction, then subtracts FICA payroll taxes — Social Security at 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage cap, and Medicare at 1.45% of all wages (with an extra 0.9% on high earners). Pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions and many health premiums come out before income tax is calculated, which is why contributing to a 401(k) lowers your taxable income and softens the hit to your paycheck.
Imagine $80,000 a year, paid twice a month (24 paychecks), single, no pre-tax deductions. Social Security and Medicare take about 7.65% right off the top — roughly $6,120 a year. Federal income tax, after the standard deduction, lands in the low five figures depending on the year's brackets. The result is a take-home figure meaningfully below the "$80,000" on your offer letter. Add a $500-a-month 401(k) contribution and your taxable income drops by $6,000, trimming your income tax while the money goes to your own retirement instead of the IRS.
Does this include state income tax?
No — state rules vary from zero (Texas, Florida, Washington and others) to over 10% in the highest-tax states. This tool focuses on the federal picture, so add your state's rate separately if it has one.
Why doesn't my paycheck match my total tax bill?
Employers withhold based on your W-4, which is an estimate. Your actual tax is settled when you file — that's why people get refunds or owe at year-end.
How does a 401(k) change my take-home?
Traditional 401(k) money is deducted before income tax, so a $200 contribution costs you less than $200 in take-home. It's one of the few levers that both cuts taxes and builds wealth.
Is this exact?
It's a solid estimate using standard federal figures. Your real check depends on your W-4, benefits, local taxes, and any wage garnishments, so treat it as a close guide rather than a pay stub.