Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes. Supports all 50 states plus DC, multiple pay frequencies, and filing statuses.
Per paycheck (Bi-weekly (26/yr))
Annual summary
Worked example
On $80,000 gross in California (single), you take home $55,471.69/year ($2,133.53/bi-weekly (26/yr)). Effective tax rate: 30.7%.
How this calculator works
Federal tax uses 2024 brackets after the standard deduction. FICA is 6.2% Social Security (up to $168,600) + 1.45% Medicare, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare on earnings over $200K. State tax uses each state's 2024 brackets or flat rate. This is an estimate — actual withholding depends on your W-4 and employer.
What affects your take-home
- Filing status changes your standard deduction and brackets
- 9 states have no income tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY
- Pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, insurance) lower taxable income
- Additional Medicare tax applies above $200K (single) / $250K (joint)
- Allowances shown are for pre-2020 W-4 reference only
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
This calculator provides a close estimate using 2024 tax brackets and rates. Actual withholding may differ based on your W-4 elections, pre-tax deductions, local taxes, and employer-specific calculations.
What is FICA tax?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax is 7.65% split between Social Security (6.2% on first $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% on all earnings, plus 0.9% on earnings over $200K). Your employer matches this amount.
How does filing status affect my paycheck?
Your filing status determines your standard deduction and tax brackets. Married Filing Jointly typically has the lowest tax rate, while Single and Married Filing Separately have higher rates.
What are allowances on the W-4?
Before 2020, employees claimed "allowances" on Form W-4 to adjust withholding. The current W-4 uses a different system (steps 2–4). The allowance field here is for reference only.
Does this include local/city taxes?
No. Some cities (e.g., NYC, Philadelphia, St. Louis) impose additional income taxes. This calculator covers federal and state only.
Can I use this for 1099/contractor income?
No. This calculator is for W-2 employees. Contractors pay self-employment tax (15.3%) instead of FICA, and make quarterly estimated payments. Use the Self-Employment Tax Estimator instead.