US Salary Tax Calculator
Enter your gross salary and see your take-home pay after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and state income tax. Uses 2026 brackets across all 50 states + DC. Free, no signup, calculations run in your browser.
How this works
The calculator runs entirely in your browser using published 2026 IRS brackets and the Social Security Administration's wage base. Federal income tax is computed against the 2026 inflation-adjusted seven-bracket structure (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%) after subtracting the standard deduction for your filing status.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is a flat-rate payroll tax: 6.2% Social Security up to a wage cap of approximately $181,800 in 2026, plus 1.45% Medicare on all wages with no cap, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
State income tax varies. Nine states have no state income tax. Eleven use a single flat rate. The remaining 30 + DC use progressive brackets — we apply a representative effective rate for a typical middle-income earner; your actual liability may differ depending on your specific income and deductions.
2026 federal income tax brackets
Federal rates as of January 2026, applied to taxable income (gross minus standard deduction):
| Rate | Single | MFJ | HoH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | up to $12,150 | up to $24,300 | up to $17,300 |
| 12% | $12,150–$49,500 | $24,300–$99,000 | $17,300–$66,200 |
| 22% | $49,500–$105,500 | $99,000–$211,000 | $66,200–$105,500 |
| 24% | $105,500–$201,300 | $211,000–$402,600 | $105,500–$201,300 |
| 32% | $201,300–$255,650 | $402,600–$511,300 | $201,300–$255,650 |
| 35% | $255,650–$639,300 | $511,300–$767,800 | $255,650–$639,300 |
| 37% | over $639,300 | over $767,800 | over $639,300 |
Standard deduction 2026: $15,750 Single, $31,500 MFJ, $23,625 Head of household.
Frequently asked
What does "take-home pay" mean?
Take-home pay is the amount you actually receive in your bank account after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and state income tax are withheld from your gross salary. It does not include other deductions like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, or court-ordered withholdings.
Are these calculations exact?
No — this calculator gives an indicative estimate using 2026 federal brackets and standard deductions, and approximate state tax rates. Your actual paycheck will differ based on retirement contributions, health insurance, HSA, FSA, court orders, garnishments, year-end bonuses, and itemised deductions. For exact figures, use your last paystub or a tax preparer.
Why does it ask for filing status?
Federal tax brackets and standard deductions differ for Single, Married Filing Jointly, and Head of Household filers. For example, the 2026 standard deduction is $15,750 for Single, $31,500 for MFJ, and $23,625 for HoH. Your filing status materially changes your federal tax liability.
Why is FICA the same regardless of state?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) — Social Security and Medicare — is a federal payroll tax. The rates and wage base are uniform across all 50 states. Social Security has a wage cap (around $181,800 in 2026); Medicare does not. High earners (over $200K single / $250K MFJ) pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax.
Are the state tax rates exact?
They are approximate. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) have no state income tax. Eleven states use flat rates (modelled exactly). The remaining states use progressive brackets — we apply a representative effective rate for a typical $75K-$100K income; actual liability varies with your specific income and filing status.
How often is this calculator updated?
Annually, when the IRS publishes inflation-adjusted federal brackets and the Social Security Administration announces the new wage base. Last updated January 2026.
Limitations
- This calculator estimates federal + FICA + state income tax only. It does NOT include 401(k), IRA, HSA, FSA, health insurance premiums, court-ordered withholdings, or itemised deductions.
- State tax for the 30 progressive-bracket states uses a single representative effective rate. Actual liability varies with your specific income.
- Local taxes (city / county) are not included. NYC, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and a handful of other cities levy additional income taxes that this calculator does not model.
- Self-employment income (1099) is taxed differently and is not modelled. This calculator assumes W-2 employee income.
- For a precise figure, consult your last paystub, a CPA, or use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
Last updated: January 2026 · Sources: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (federal brackets), Social Security Administration (FICA wage base), state revenue departments (state rates).