Methodology

The formula

Take-home = gross − federal income tax − state income tax − FICA − pre-tax deductions. Every figure is computed by a single deterministic function that runs identically in your browser and at build time, so the numbers on this page and in the live calculator always agree.

Federal income tax

Federal income tax is progressive: your income after the standard deduction is split across brackets, and each bracket’s rate applies only to the income inside it. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. Marginal rates run 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%.

FICA (Social Security & Medicare)

• Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to the annual wage base of $184,500 (2026).
• Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, with no cap.
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). These thresholds are not indexed for inflation.

State income tax

States fall into three groups: those with no income tax, those with a single flat rate, and those with progressive brackets of their own. Each state page shows which group applies and links to the official source.

How current are these numbers?

Federal figures for 2026 are published by the IRS and SSA and are used directly. For states, each calculator shows whether its figures are verified (the state has published its 2026 rates, or its rates are fixed in statute and do not change year to year) or an estimate (the state has not yet released its 2026 schedule, so we show the most recent published schedule and note it).

Estimate states carry an amber note explaining the basis of the figures shown. We never publish a tax number that is not traceable to an official source.

Pre-tax deductions

Contributions like a traditional 401(k) reduce the income subject to income tax but not your FICA wages. HSA, FSA, and Section 125 health premiums reduce both. These are inputs you provide, not rates.

What we exclude

This is an estimate, not a tax return. It does not model tax credits (Child Tax Credit, EITC), the Alternative Minimum Tax, preferential capital-gains rates, itemized deductions beyond the standard deduction, or local city/county income taxes. See the sourcespage for every figure’s provenance.