Free Paycheck Calculator — Calculate Your US Take-Home Pay 2026
Wondering how much of your paycheck you actually keep? Our free US paycheck calculator shows your exact take-home pay after federal income tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare deductions — for all 50 states. Updated for 2026 federal tax brackets. Enter your gross pay and get instant results.
Income Parameters
Paycheck Breakdown
Net Take-Home Pay
How to Use the US Paycheck Calculator
Step 1: Enter your gross pay
Enter your salary before any deductions — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly. This is the number on your employment contract or offer letter.
Step 2: Select your pay frequency
Choose how often you get paid. Biweekly (every 2 weeks = 26 paychecks/year) is most common in the US.
Step 3: Select your state
State income tax varies dramatically — from 0% in Texas and Florida to 13.3% in California. Selecting your state gives you accurate results.
Step 4: See your breakdown
Your exact federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and final take-home pay appear instantly.
Understanding Your US Paycheck Deductions 2026
Every American paycheck has these standard deductions:
Federal Income Tax
Calculated using 2026 progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. Your employer withholds based on your W-4 form.
State Income Tax
Varies by state. 9 states have zero state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
FICA Taxes — Social Security & Medicare
- Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $168,600
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages
- Total FICA: 7.65% from your paycheck
What is NOT Deducted Here
Pre-tax deductions like 401k contributions, health insurance premiums, and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income further — lowering your actual tax bill.
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets — Married vs Single
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,600 | $0 – $23,200 |
| 12% | $11,601 – $47,150 | $23,201 – $94,300 |
| 22% | $47,151 – $100,525 | $94,301 – $201,050 |
| 24% | $100,526 – $191,950 | $201,051 – $383,900 |
| 32% | $191,951 – $243,725 | $383,901 – $487,450 |
| 35% | $243,726 – $609,350 | $487,451 – $731,200 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 | Over $731,200 |
Paycheck Calculator by State — 2026
State income tax dramatically affects take-home pay. Here are the top states people calculate for:
| State | State Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1% – 13.3% | Highest in USA |
| Texas | 0% | No state income tax |
| New York | 4% – 10.9% | NYC has extra city tax |
| Florida | 0% | No state income tax |
| Illinois | 4.95% flat | |
| Washington | 0% | No state income tax |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% flat | |
| Ohio | 0% – 3.75% | |
| Georgia | 5.49% flat | |
| North Carolina | 4.5% flat |
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay Legally
1. Maximize 401k Contributions
401k contributions are pre-tax — every $1 contributed reduces your taxable income by $1. 2026 limit: $23,000 (under 50) or $30,500 (50+).
2. Contribute to HSA
Health Savings Account contributions are triple tax-free. 2026 limit: $4,150 (individual) or $8,300 (family).
3. Review Your W-4
If you consistently get a large refund, adjust your W-4 withholding — get more in each paycheck instead of lending money to the IRS interest-free.
4. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Pre-tax dollars for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
5. Check for Tax Credits
Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and education credits directly reduce your tax bill — not just income.
Salary & Tax FAQs — 2026 Guide
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