This paycheck calculator estimates your take-home pay for each paycheck in 2026. It applies the latest IRS tax brackets and standard deduction, Social Security and Medicare taxes, your 401(k) and other pre-tax deductions, and an estimate of state income tax.
What comes out of your paycheck
- Federal income tax, based on your taxable pay and filing status.
- Social Security tax: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026, so the most you pay is $11,439.
- Medicare tax: 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax that employers withhold on wages over $200,000.
- Pre-tax deductions such as a traditional 401(k), which lowers income tax but not Social Security or Medicare, and health or FSA contributions through a cafeteria plan, which lower both.
- State and local income tax, which varies widely. Nine states have no tax on wages.
2026 federal income tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
Standard deduction for 2026: $16,100 single or married filing separately, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household. Brackets apply to taxable income, after deductions.
Worked example
A single employee earning $75,000, paid every two weeks, contributes 5% to a 401(k) and $2,400 a year for health insurance. Federal taxable income is $52,750, and take-home pay is about $2,191.50 per paycheck before any state tax.
How to increase your take-home pay
- Review your Form W-4 if you get a large refund every year; you may be over-withholding.
- Use pre-tax benefits such as an HSA or FSA for costs you would pay anyway.
- Remember that a 401(k) lowers your paycheck by less than the amount you contribute, because it also lowers your tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax is taken out of a paycheck?
It depends on your income, filing status and W-4, but most workers pay federal income tax plus 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare, and state tax where it applies.
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
$184,500. Wages above that amount are not subject to the 6.2% Social Security tax for the rest of the year, though Medicare tax continues.
Which states have no income tax on wages?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not tax wages. Washington taxes some capital gains.
Why is my paycheck different from this estimate?
Your employer’s withholding follows your W-4, which may include extra withholding, credits or other income. Local taxes, wage garnishments and other deductions also change the result.
Does a 401(k) reduce Social Security and Medicare taxes?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce income tax only. Health, dental and FSA premiums paid through a cafeteria plan reduce income tax and FICA taxes.
Related calculators
Sources
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 brackets and standard deduction)
- SSA: Contribution and benefit base
- IRS Tax Withholding Estimator
Last reviewed: October 2026 against official government sources. This calculator gives estimates for education only and is not tax advice.