See your net pay after federal tax, FICA, retirement contributions and deductions.
Your paycheck is reduced by several layers of withholding. Federal income tax uses the progressive bracket system for your selected tax year; pre-tax retirement and health insurance reduce this base first. FICA taxes are separate: Social Security applies only up to the annual wage base (which rises each year), while Medicare has no cap. An additional 0.9% surtax applies on wages above the threshold. State taxes vary widely — this calculator uses a flat rate as an approximation. Figures depend on the selected tax year.
FICA — Social Security
Social Security Tax = min(FICA wages, wage base) × Social Security rate
FICA — Medicare
Medicare = FICA wages × 1.45% + max(0, wages above threshold) × 0.9%
Uses tax brackets and FICA rates for the selected tax year. State tax uses a flat-rate approximation. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections and employer payroll system.
Social Security benefits are also capped — you receive benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings, and the maximum benefit is calculated from wages up to the wage base. Medicare has no benefit cap (it covers all qualified medical expenses), so the tax has no wage cap either.
The Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% was added by the Affordable Care Act. It applies to earned income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Unlike the base Medicare tax, this is not split with an employer — you pay the full 0.9% yourself.
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce federal (and often state) income tax but are still subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Health insurance premiums paid through a Section 125 cafeteria plan do reduce FICA.
Enter your effective state rate (total state tax ÷ gross income) as a reasonable approximation. For exact state tax, use your state's withholding tables or a state-specific calculator.
You can select 2024, 2025, or 2026 from the Tax Year field at the top. The calculator uses that year's brackets, standard deductions, and Social Security wage base. The wage base rises each year, which can affect your net pay calculation.