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netpayguide

Free · 2026 federal & state tax rates

How much is your paycheck actually worth after taxes?

Enter your salary. See the exact amount that lands in your bank account each pay period, broken down to the dollar.

All 50 states2026 IRS tablesFICA & 401(k) includedNo signup

Calculator

$Annual salary in US dollars

How it works

Understand exactly where your paycheck goes.

Most people know their salary — fewer know their real take-home pay. NetPayGuide calculates exactly what lands in your bank account each pay period, accounting for every dollar withheld: federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any pre-tax or post-tax deductions you carry.

Enter your salary or hourly rate, select your state and filing status, and the calculator updates in real time. No submit button, no waiting, no signup. The 2026 tax tables are baked in — federal brackets, standard deductions, and each state's specific rates — so you get an accurate estimate the moment you type.

Pre-tax deductions (traditional 401(k), HSA, FSA, health insurance) are subtracted before taxes are calculated, reducing your taxable income and your tax bill. That means a $500/month 401(k) contribution doesn't cost you $500 in take-home — it costs considerably less, depending on your bracket. The breakdown panel shows you exactly how much each deduction is worth in tax savings.

Evaluating a job offer in a new state? Wondering how a raise changes your actual take-home? Trying to decide between traditional and Roth 401(k)? Adjust any input and see the results instantly. Select a state from the navigation above for state-specific tax rules, SDI notes, and local guidance.

Common Questions

How is my take-home pay calculated?
Your take-home pay is calculated by subtracting federal income tax, state income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any other deductions from your gross pay. The result is your net pay for each pay period.
What are FICA taxes?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on earnings up to the wage base) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000 for single filers).
How do pre-tax deductions affect my paycheck?
Pre-tax deductions such as traditional 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income. This means you pay less in income tax, effectively increasing your take-home pay compared to contributing the same amount after tax.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any taxes or deductions are taken out. Net pay (take-home pay) is the amount you actually receive after federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and other deductions have been subtracted from your gross pay.
How does filing status affect my taxes?
Your filing status determines your tax brackets, standard deduction amount, and eligibility for certain credits. For example, married filing jointly generally has wider tax brackets and a larger standard deduction than single, resulting in lower taxes on the same income.