Gross pay
$0
Tax Calculator – Estimate Paycheck Taxes & Net Pay
Use this free tax calculator to estimate gross pay, taxable pay, paycheck taxes, deductions, FICA, and take-home pay for each paycheck and annually.
Tax Calculator
Enter your salary, pay frequency, tax rates, and deductions to estimate your paycheck.
Salary Paycheck Calculator
Estimate gross pay, withholdings, deductions, and net pay per paycheck.
Estimated net paycheck
$0
Taxable pay
$0
Total taxes
$0
Federal income tax
$0
State income tax
$0
Local tax
$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)
$0
Post-tax deductions
$0
Garnishments
$0
Annual net estimate
$0
Pay breakdown
Take-home
Taxes
Deductions & garnishments
How to Use
- Enter your annual salary and pay frequency.
- Set your filing status and tax rates.
- Add optional pre-tax benefits, post-tax deductions, and garnishments.
- Click Calculate paycheck to estimate net pay and annual take-home income.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator estimates paycheck withholding using your salary, pay frequency, federal, state, and local tax rates, plus FICA taxes, deductions, and garnishments. It gives an approximate net paycheck and annual net income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paycheck tax calculator?
A paycheck tax calculator estimates how much tax and other deductions may be taken from each paycheck.
Does it include Social Security and Medicare?
Yes, it includes FICA taxes using Social Security and Medicare rates, including Additional Medicare when applicable.
Is this exact payroll software?
No, this is an estimate tool for planning purposes and not a replacement for payroll software or tax advice.
Related Tools
Important disclaimer
This calculator is for general guidance and estimates only. It should not be relied upon to calculate exact taxes, payroll, or other financial data. It is not tax or legal advice and does not represent any payroll service solution. Consult a professional advisor or accountant for specific requirements or concerns.
Salary paycheck calculator guide
How to calculate net income
- Determine taxable income by deducting pre-tax contributions to benefits.
- Withhold applicable taxes (federal, state, and local).
- Deduct post-tax contributions to benefits.
- Apply wage garnishments, if necessary.
- The result is net income.
How to calculate annual income
Annual income is gross pay multiplied by number of pay periods. Example: $1,500 weekly × 52 = $78,000.
How to calculate taxes taken out of a paycheck
- Use withholding certificates and current tax brackets to estimate federal withholding.
- Calculate FICA taxes (Medicare and Social Security) using current rates and wage limits.
- Determine if state/local taxes and other withholdings apply.
- Divide total applicable taxes by gross pay to determine withholding percentage.
What is a paycheck?
A paycheck is the method businesses use to compensate employees. Common schedules are bi-weekly and semi-monthly, but timing depends on employer policy and state law.
Types of paychecks
Employees may receive printed checks, direct deposit, or alternatives such as paycards.
How to read a paycheck
Common paycheck details include check number, names/addresses, date, amount, and bank information.
Information found on a pay stub
- Pay period dates
- Hours worked
- Gross pay
- Net pay
- Federal/state/local taxes
- Medicare and Social Security taxes
- Benefit deductions
- Wage garnishments
- Year-to-date totals
- PTO balances (if applicable)
Understanding withholdings and deductions
Net pay is usually lower than gross pay due to federal withholding, FICA taxes, state/local taxes, benefit deductions, and possible wage garnishments.
FICA rates used here: Social Security 6.2% (subject to annual wage base) and Medicare 1.45%, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare above threshold (employee portion).
FAQ
Is a pay stub the same as a paycheck? No. A paycheck moves money; a pay stub explains calculations.
What should a pay stub look like? It should show earnings, taxes, deductions, and applicable benefits.
Should you save paycheck stubs? They help verify pay and resolve disputes.
What if your paycheck is late? Contact HR/payroll first; many delays are correctable errors.
How do employers create paychecks? Either print checks in-house or work with a payroll service provider.