What are FICA taxes and how much are they?

FICA = 6.2% Social Security (on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) + 1.45% Medicare on all wages. Employer matches both. Additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on earnings over $200,000.

Paycheck Calculator – Take-Home Pay After Tax | Free 2025

Q: Which states have no income tax?

Nine states: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax as of 2026.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified financial professional or tax advisor for personalized advice. Tax rates and brackets are based on 2026 data and are subject to change.

Why Your Paycheck Is Lower Than Your Salary

Calculating your take-home pay isn't as simple as dividing your annual salary by 26. Your employer withholds federal income taxes based on your W-4, plus 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare from every paycheck. State income taxes apply in 41 states, and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums lower your taxable income before any tax is calculated. Federal income tax rates range from 10% up to a top marginal rate of 37% — which bracket you fall into depends on your total income and filing status.

How to Calculate Your Take-Home Pay

Enter your gross pay (hourly rate or annual salary), pay frequency, state, and filing status. Add pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions or HSA payments if applicable — these reduce your taxable income before withholding is calculated. The calculator shows your federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and final net pay per paycheck. Nine states — including Texas, Florida, and Washington — have no state income tax, which directly increases take-home pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Federal income tax withholding depends on your gross pay, filing status, and W-4 information. Tax rates range from 10% on the first $11,925 of taxable income up to 37% on income above $626,350 (2025 brackets for single filers). Most middle-income earners see 12–22% withheld for federal taxes.

FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. Your employer withholds 6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $176,100 in 2026, and 1.45% for Medicare on all wages. Your employer matches both amounts. If you earn over $200,000, an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies — which your employer does not match.

Contributions to a 401(k), HSA, FSA, or employer health insurance plan come out of your paycheck before taxes are calculated. This lowers your taxable income, reducing withholding. For example, contributing $500/month to a 401(k) in the 22% tax bracket saves approximately $110/month in federal taxes.

A W-4 tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold. You fill it out when starting a new job, and should update it after major life events like marriage or having children. The new W-4 form uses a five-step process with specific dollar amounts rather than allowances. Getting this right prevents owing a large tax bill or getting a large refund at year end.

Nine states have no state income tax as of 2026: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Residents of these states take home more of every paycheck compared to high-tax states like California (up to 13.3%), New York (up to 10.9%), or New Jersey (up to 10.75%).