💵 Paycheck Take-Home Calculator
2026 Federal + FICA Withholding
How to Use the Paycheck Calculator
Enter Your Pay Amount
Input your gross pay per period — before any deductions or taxes.
Select Pay Frequency
Weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, or annual salary.
Choose Filing Status & State Tax
Your filing status determines federal withholding. Enter your state's income tax rate for full accuracy.
Add Benefits (Optional)
Include 401(k) contribution percentage and health insurance premium for pre-tax deductions.
Paycheck Deduction Formula
Pre-Tax Deductions = 401(k) + Health Premiums
Federal Taxable Income = Annual Salary − Pre-Tax Deductions − Std Deduction
Social Security = Gross Pay × 6.2% (up to $184,500 wage base)
Medicare = Gross Pay × 1.45%
Take-Home = Gross − Federal − SS − Medicare − State − Pre-Tax
Example: $5,000/month Paycheck (Single, 5% State Tax)
Gross Pay: $5,000/month ($60,000/year)
Federal Tax: ~$612/month (after $16,100 standard deduction)
Social Security: $310/month (6.2%)
Medicare: $72.50/month (1.45%)
State Tax (5%): $250/month
Estimated Take-Home: ~$3,755/month
Frequently Asked Questions
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) includes Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). Both are automatically withheld from each paycheck.
Yes! Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, reducing your federal and state taxable income. In 2026 you can contribute up to $24,500.
Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to the first $184,500 of wages in 2026. Medicare (1.45%) applies to all wages with an additional 0.9% surcharge over $200,000.
Increase pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA), claim appropriate allowances on your W-4, and take all available tax credits like the Child Tax Credit.