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2026 Statutory Rates Primary Source Verified Always 100% Free

Paycheck / Take-Home Tax Calculator (2026)

See exactly how much you take home after 2026 federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare deductions for hourly or salaried pay.

Quick Answer: Your net take-home paycheck equals Gross Pay minus Federal Income Tax (calculated using IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-11 progressive brackets and 2026 standard deductions), FICA Taxes (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base plus 1.45% Medicare, plus 0.9% additional over $200k), State Income Tax (progressive, flat, or $0 for 9 states without wage tax), and elective pre-tax deductions (like 401k or health insurance). For a single filer earning $75,000 annually paid bi-weekly in California with standard deduction and no pre-tax contributions, net take-home pay is approximately $2,243 per bi-weekly check ($58,316 annually), reflecting an effective total tax rate of 22.25%.

Gross Pay & Filing Details
Before taxes & deductions
$
Where wages are earned
401(k), HSA, Health Ins.
$
Take-Home Pay
$2,242.90
per bi-weekly paycheck
Gross Paycheck $2,884.62
Federal Income Tax -$306.15
State Income Tax -$114.88
Social Security (6.2%) -$178.85
Medicare (1.45%) -$41.83
Total Taxes & Withholdings -$641.71
Effective Total Tax Rate 22.25%
Calculations use IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-11 tax brackets for 2026. Actual withholdings on Form W-4 may differ based on allowances, dependents, and employer payroll software.

Paycheck Frequencies Compared

Frequency Gross Pay Total Taxes Net Take-Home Pay
Primary Source Verified Last reviewed: October 2026

Calculation Methodology: Paycheck / Take-Home Tax Calculator (2026)

Mathematical Formula

Net Pay = Gross Pay - Federal Tax - State Tax - FICA (Social Security + Medicare) - Voluntary Deductions

Federal Tax: Calculated progressively using 2026 IRS tax brackets on (Gross - Pre-Tax Deductions - Standard Deduction).
FICA: 6.2% Social Security (capped at $176,100) + 1.45% Medicare (+ 0.9% surtax over $200,000 for single filers).
State Tax: Exact state-specific progressive brackets or flat rates for all 50 states + DC.

Verified Worked Example (Benchmark)

Benchmark Parameters: Gross Salary = $75,000/yr · Pay Frequency = Bi-Weekly (26 pay periods = $2,884.62 gross/check) · Filing Status = Single · State = California (CA) · Pre-Tax Deductions = $0.

  1. Gross Pay Per Check: $75,000 ÷ 26 = $2,884.62.
  2. Federal Standard Deduction (2026): $15,700 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-11).
  3. Federal Taxable Income: $75,000 - $15,700 = $59,300.
  4. Federal Income Tax:
    • 10% on first $11,925 = $1,192.50
    • 12% on next $36,550 ($48,475 - $11,925) = $4,386.00
    • 22% on remaining $10,825 ($59,300 - $48,475) = $2,381.50
    • Total Annual Federal Tax: $7,960.00 ($306.15/check).
  5. FICA Taxes:
    • Social Security (6.2% on $75k, below $176,100 cap): $4,650.00/yr ($178.85/check).
    • Medicare (1.45% on $75k): $1,087.50/yr ($41.83/check).
    • Total Annual FICA: $5,737.50 ($220.67/check).
  6. California State Income Tax (Graduated Brackets): $2,987.00/yr ($114.88/check).
  7. Total Withholdings & Taxes: $7,960.00 + $5,737.50 + $2,987.00 = $16,684.50/yr ($641.71/check).
  8. Net Take-Home Pay: $75,000 - $16,684.50 = $58,315.50/yr ($2,242.90 per bi-weekly paycheck).
  9. Effective Combined Tax Rate: $16,684.50 ÷ $75,000 = 22.25%.

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