Estimate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare
Every paycheck you receive has money withheld for federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Federal income tax is calculated using a progressive bracket system, meaning only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. For 2026, the standard deduction reduces your taxable income before brackets are applied -- $15,700 for single filers and $31,400 for married couples filing jointly. Understanding these brackets helps you estimate how much of each dollar you actually keep.
Social Security tax (also called OASDI) is a flat 6.2% on wages up to the annual wage base of $184,500 in 2026. Once your year-to-date earnings exceed this cap, no more Social Security tax is withheld for the rest of the year. Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages with no cap, and an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to individual wages exceeding $200,000. Together, Social Security and Medicare are often referred to as FICA taxes.
Your actual take-home pay can differ from this estimate because of pre-tax deductions that reduce your taxable income. Contributions to a 401(k), 403(b), health savings account (HSA), or employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are subtracted before taxes are calculated, lowering your tax bill. Post-tax deductions like Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, or garnishments reduce your paycheck but do not affect your taxable income. To get the most accurate picture, compare this estimate with your most recent pay stub.