💵 2026 Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, state taxes, and deductions

2026 Tax Year Estimates
💰 Income
📋 Filing Status

🏥 Pre-Tax Deductions (Per Paycheck)

Used to annualize your per-paycheck deduction amounts

📊 Retirement & Taxes

Reduces federal/state taxable income
Combined state + local income tax rate

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dependents (Tax Credits)

$2,200 credit each (2026)
$500 credit each
📊 Your Take-Home Pay
Annual Net Pay
$0
Based on $0 gross income
Annual Gross
$0
Total Deductions
$0
💳 Net Pay Per Paycheck
Weekly
$0
Bi-Weekly
$0
Monthly
$0
Net Pay $0
Federal Tax $0
FICA (SS/Med) $0
State Tax $0
401(k) $0
Other Pre-Tax $0
Effective Tax Rate
0%
Marginal Bracket: 10%
📚 2026 Federal Tax Brackets
Rate Single Married Filing Jointly Head of Household
10% $0 - $12,400 $0 - $24,800 $0 - $17,700
12% $12,400 - $50,400 $24,800 - $100,800 $17,700 - $67,450
22% $50,400 - $105,700 $100,800 - $211,400 $67,450 - $105,700
24% $105,700 - $201,775 $211,400 - $403,550 $105,700 - $201,750
32% $201,775 - $256,225 $403,550 - $512,450 $201,750 - $256,200
35% $256,225 - $640,600 $512,450 - $768,700 $256,200 - $640,600
37% Over $640,600 Over $768,700 Over $640,600
🆕 Key 2026 Tax Information

📄 Standard Deduction

Single: $16,100 • Married: $32,200 • Head of Household: $24,150. These amounts are subtracted from your income before calculating taxes.

🔒 Social Security Wage Base

$184,500 for 2026. You pay 6.2% Social Security tax on earnings up to this limit. Medicare tax (1.45%) applies to all earnings.

👶 Child Tax Credit

$2,200 per qualifying child under 17 (up from $2,000). Phase-out begins at $400,000 (married) or $200,000 (single).

💊 Additional Medicare Tax

Extra 0.9% Medicare tax on wages over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). This is in addition to the standard 1.45%.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides estimates based on projected 2026 federal tax rules. Your actual paycheck may differ due to additional withholdings, state-specific rules, or employer policies. For precise amounts, consult your HR department or a tax professional.

What is FICA?

FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45% on all earnings, plus 0.9% on high earners). Your employer pays a matching amount.

Why does my take-home pay seem lower than expected?

Between federal taxes, FICA, state taxes, and pre-tax deductions, it's common to take home 65-80% of your gross pay. Higher earners may keep less due to higher marginal tax brackets.

Should I increase my 401(k) contributions?

401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income, lowering your current tax bill while building retirement savings. If your employer offers matching, try to contribute at least enough to get the full match—it's essentially free money.

What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rates?

Your marginal rate is the tax bracket on your last dollar of income. Your effective rate is your total tax divided by total income—always lower than marginal because only income above each threshold is taxed at higher rates.