Take-Home Pay Calculator
Find out how much of your salary you actually take home after federal, state, and payroll taxes. Supports all 50 US states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is federal income tax calculated?
Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system. Your income is divided into portions that are taxed at increasing rates (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%). This calculator applies the standard deduction before calculating your federal tax liability.
Why is my effective tax rate lower than my tax bracket?
Your effective tax rate is the average rate you pay across all your income, while your tax bracket is the rate applied only to income in that bracket. Because lower portions of your income are taxed at lower rates, your effective rate is always lower than your marginal bracket.
What is FICA and why is it deducted?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on income up to $168,600) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all income). These taxes fund Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare health coverage.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in these states can significantly increase your take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.
Does this calculator include local taxes or deductions?
This calculator provides a simplified estimate using federal brackets and approximate state flat rates. It does not include local/city taxes, pre-tax retirement contributions (401k), health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, or other deductions that would affect your actual take-home pay.