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Calculate your take-home pay after federal, state, FICA taxes, 401k, HSA, insurance and all deductions with detailed breakdown
Last Updated: December 21, 2025 | Reviewed by Financial Experts | Based on 2025 IRS Tax Guidelines
This advanced take-home paycheck calculator helps you estimate your net pay after federal, state, and local taxes, as well as various pre-tax and post-tax deductions.
Features include:
Note: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual withholding may vary based on your specific situation. Consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.
A take-home paycheck calculator is a comprehensive financial tool that helps you estimate your net pay (take-home salary) after all federal taxes, state taxes, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and various pre-tax and post-tax deductions. Unlike simple salary calculators, our advanced paycheck calculator accounts for multiple pay frequencies, filing statuses, state-specific tax rates, retirement contributions (401k, Roth IRA), health benefits (HSA, FSA, insurance premiums), and additional income sources (bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips).
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions - the amount your employer agrees to pay you annually or per pay period. Net pay (take-home pay) is what actually hits your bank account after all taxes and deductions. The difference between gross and net can be 20-40% depending on your income level, state, and benefit elections. For example, a $100,000 gross salary might result in $70,000-80,000 net pay after federal tax (22-24% bracket), state tax (0-9%), FICA (7.65%), and deductions (401k, health insurance).
Knowing your exact take-home pay is crucial for: (1) Budget Planning - Create realistic monthly budgets based on actual income, (2) Job Offer Evaluation - Compare offers beyond gross salary by calculating net pay differences, (3) Tax Planning - Optimize W-4 withholdings to avoid surprises at tax time, (4) Benefit Decisions - Understand how 401k, HSA, and insurance elections affect your paycheck, (5) Salary Negotiations - Know your worth in take-home terms, not just gross numbers, (6) Financial Goals - Plan savings, investments, and major purchases based on disposable income.
Start by entering your Gross Salary/Wage - this is your pay before any deductions. Select yourPay Frequency: Annual (yearly salary), Monthly (12 paychecks), Semi-Monthly (24 paychecks on 1st & 15th), Bi-Weekly (26 paychecks every 2 weeks), or Weekly (52 paychecks). Choose your Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household) as it affects federal tax brackets. Select your State for accurate state tax calculations. Enter your Age (affects catch-up contributions) andNumber of Dependents (may affect withholdings).
Set Federal Allowances based on your W-4 form (more allowances = less withholding = higher take-home). Add Additional Federal Withholding if you want extra tax withheld to avoid owing at year-end. Similarly, configure State Allowances and Additional State Withholding. These settings directly impact your paycheck amount and year-end tax liability. Use the IRS W-4 calculator or consult a tax professional if unsure.
Navigate to the Deductions tab. Enter 401(k) Contribution as percentage (e.g., 10%) or dollar amount (e.g., $10,000 annually). Add Health Insurance premiums (employer-sponsored plans are pre-tax). Include Dental and Vision Insurance if applicable. Enter HSA Contribution(2024 limit: $4,150 individual, $8,300 family) for triple tax benefits. Add FSA Contribution (2024 limit: $3,200) for medical or dependent care. Include Transit/Parking Benefits if your employer offers them. All pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income, lowering your tax bill.
Still in the Deductions tab, scroll to post-tax deductions. Enter Roth IRA Contribution(2024 limit: $7,000, or $8,000 if 50+) - these are after-tax but grow tax-free. Add Life Insurancepremiums if not covered by employer. Include Disability Insurance for income protection. EnterUnion Dues if you're a union member. Add Charitable Donations if done via payroll deduction. Post-tax deductions don't reduce taxable income but do reduce take-home pay.
Go to the Additional tab. Enter annual Bonus amount (performance bonuses, signing bonuses). Add Commission earnings if you're in sales. Include Overtime Pay (time-and-a-half or double-time earnings). Enter Tips if you work in service industry. All additional income is added to gross income and taxed accordingly. Bonuses may be taxed at supplemental rate (22% federal) but reconcile at year-end.
The calculator instantly displays your Take-Home Pay in multiple formats: Annual Net Pay, Monthly Net Pay, Bi-Weekly Net Pay, Weekly Net Pay, and Per-Period Net Pay (based on your frequency). Review the Income Breakdownshowing gross income, pre-tax deductions, and taxable income. Check the Tax Breakdown with federal, state, Social Security, Medicare, and local taxes separately. View the Visual Distribution chart showing percentage allocation to take-home, taxes, and deductions. Read Personalized Recommendations for optimizing your paycheck.
2024 Federal Tax Brackets (Progressive System):
Single Filers:
Married Filing Jointly:
Note: Progressive brackets mean you pay each rate only on income within that bracket, not your entire income.
No State Tax (0%):
*Only dividends/interest
Low Tax States:
High Tax States:
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs. Social Security Tax:6.2% on earnings up to $168,600 (2024 wage base limit). Maximum annual contribution: $10,453.20. Earnings above $168,600 are not subject to Social Security tax. Medicare Tax: 1.45% on all earnings with no cap.Additional Medicare Tax: 0.9% on earnings over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). Total FICA: 7.65% for most earners (6.2% + 1.45%). Employers match your FICA contribution, paying another 7.65%.
Some cities and counties impose additional income taxes: New York City: 3.078-3.876% based on income,San Francisco: 1.5% payroll tax, Philadelphia: 3.8398% wage tax,Detroit: 2.4% resident, 1.2% non-resident. Our calculator includes optional local tax field where you can enter your city's rate. Check your city's tax department website or pay stub for exact rates.
Tax brackets are progressive, not flat. You don't pay your top bracket rate on all income. Example: Single filer earning $60,000 pays: 10% on first $11,600 ($1,160), 12% on $11,600-$47,150 ($4,266), 22% on $47,150-$60,000 ($2,827). Total federal tax: $8,253 (13.8% effective rate), not 22% on entire $60,000. This is why increasing income doesn't always mean proportionally higher taxes. Understanding brackets helps optimize deductions and withholdings.
401(k) contributions are deducted before taxes, reducing your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. 2024 Limits:$23,000 under age 50, $30,500 if 50+. Tax Savings Example: Contributing $10,000 at 22% tax bracket saves $2,200 in federal taxes plus state tax savings. Employer Match: Many employers match 50-100% of contributions up to 3-6% of salary - free money! Vesting: Your contributions are always 100% yours; employer match may vest over 3-6 years. Withdrawal: Penalty-free at 59½; early withdrawal incurs 10% penalty plus taxes.Strategy: Contribute at least enough to get full employer match, then increase to 10-15% for retirement security.
Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are typically deducted pre-tax through a Section 125 cafeteria plan. This reduces both income tax and FICA taxes. Example: $500/month premium ($6,000/year) saves $1,320 in federal tax (22% bracket) + $459 FICA (7.65%) + state tax = $2,000+ total savings. Coverage Options: Employee-only, employee + spouse, employee + children, family. Plan Types: HMO (lower cost, network restrictions), PPO (higher cost, more flexibility), HDHP (high deductible, HSA-eligible). Review annually during open enrollment to optimize coverage and cost.
HSA offers triple tax advantage: (1) Contributions are pre-tax, (2) Growth is tax-free, (3) Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. 2024 Limits: $4,150 individual, $8,300 family, plus $1,000 catch-up if 55+. Eligibility: Must have High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) - 2024 minimum deductible $1,600 individual, $3,200 family. Qualified Expenses: Doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, medical equipment.Investment: Funds can be invested like IRA for long-term growth. Portability: Account is yours forever, even if you change jobs or insurance. Retirement Use: After 65, can withdraw for any purpose (taxed like IRA), or tax-free for medical expenses.
FSA allows pre-tax contributions for medical or dependent care expenses. 2024 Limits: $3,200 healthcare FSA, $5,000 dependent care FSA. Use-It-or-Lose-It: Must use funds by year-end or lose them (some employers offer $640 rollover or 2.5-month grace period). Healthcare FSA: Covers copays, deductibles, prescriptions, OTC medications, dental, vision. Dependent Care FSA: Daycare, preschool, after-school care, summer camp for children under 13. Strategy: Estimate annual expenses conservatively to avoid forfeiting funds. FSA vs HSA: Can't have both healthcare FSA and HSA simultaneously (limited-purpose FSA for dental/vision is allowed with HSA).
Dental and vision insurance premiums are typically pre-tax deductions. Dental Insurance: Covers preventive (cleanings, exams), basic (fillings, extractions), and major (crowns, root canals) procedures. Annual maximums typically $1,000-$2,000. Vision Insurance: Covers eye exams, glasses, contact lenses. Often includes discounts on LASIK.Cost: Dental $20-50/month, Vision $5-15/month. Value: Worth it if you need regular dental work or wear glasses/contacts. Compare premium cost vs expected expenses to determine if enrollment makes sense.
Qualified transportation fringe benefits allow pre-tax deductions for commuting costs. 2024 Limit: $315/month for transit passes and $315/month for parking (total $630/month or $7,560/year). Eligible Expenses: Public transit (bus, train, subway, ferry), vanpool, parking at/near workplace or transit station. Tax Savings: At 22% federal + 7.65% FICA + 5% state = 34.65% savings. $315/month saves $109/month ($1,308/year) in taxes. How It Works:Employer deducts amount from paycheck pre-tax, provides transit card or parking pass. Not all employers offer this benefit - check with HR.
Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars but grow and withdraw tax-free in retirement. 2024 Limits:$7,000 under age 50, $8,000 if 50+. Income Limits: Phase-out begins at $146,000 (single) or $230,000 (married).Benefits: Tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals after 59½, no required minimum distributions (RMDs), can withdraw contributions anytime penalty-free. Roth 401(k) vs Roth IRA: Roth 401(k) has no income limits and higher contribution limit ($23,000), but has RMDs. Strategy: Use Roth when young/low tax bracket, traditional when older/high tax bracket. Consider Roth conversion ladder for early retirement.
Employer-provided life insurance over $50,000 and disability insurance premiums are typically post-tax deductions.Life Insurance: Term life provides death benefit to beneficiaries. Coverage typically 1-5x annual salary. Cost increases with age. Disability Insurance: Replaces 50-70% of income if unable to work due to illness/injury. Short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (until retirement) options. Tax Treatment: If you pay premiums with after-tax dollars, benefits are tax-free. If employer pays or premiums are pre-tax, benefits are taxable. Recommendation:Get enough life insurance to cover 10x annual expenses; disability insurance is crucial if you depend on income.
Union dues and professional organization memberships are post-tax payroll deductions. Union Dues: Typically 1-2% of gross pay or flat monthly fee. Covers collective bargaining, legal representation, workplace advocacy. Required in union shops.Professional Memberships: Organizations like AMA, ABA, IEEE, CPA societies. Provide networking, continuing education, certifications, industry resources. Tax Deduction: Union dues and unreimbursed professional expenses were deductible pre-2018 but eliminated by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (except for certain professions). May return in future tax law changes.
Many employers offer payroll deduction for charitable giving to United Way, disaster relief, or other approved charities.Benefits: Convenient automatic giving, spread donations throughout year, employer may match contributions.Tax Deduction: Charitable donations are tax-deductible if you itemize (not available with standard deduction). Keep records of payroll deductions for tax filing. Limits: Can deduct up to 60% of AGI for cash donations to public charities. Strategy: Bunch donations in alternating years to exceed standard deduction threshold, or use donor-advised fund for immediate deduction with multi-year giving.
Court-ordered garnishments and child support are mandatory post-tax deductions. Wage Garnishment: For unpaid debts, taxes, student loans. Federal limit: 25% of disposable income or amount above 30x federal minimum wage, whichever is less.Child Support: Court-ordered payments for children's care. Can garnish up to 50-65% of disposable income depending on circumstances. Priority: Child support takes priority over other garnishments. Impact:Significantly reduces take-home pay. Resolution: Contact creditor for payment plan, consult attorney for debt relief options, ensure child support order is accurate and current.
Your W-4 form determines how much federal tax is withheld from each paycheck. New W-4 (2020+): No more allowances; uses 5 steps including filing status, multiple jobs, dependents, other income, and deductions. Goal: Withhold enough to avoid penalties but not so much you give IRS an interest-free loan. Strategies: (1) Claim dependents to reduce withholding, (2) Enter expected deductions (mortgage interest, charitable donations) in Step 4(b), (3) If you have multiple jobs or spouse works, use Multiple Jobs Worksheet, (4) Adjust throughout year based on life changes. Tools:Use IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or our calculator to find optimal settings. Review: Update W-4 after marriage, divorce, child birth, home purchase, or significant income change.
Maximizing pre-tax deductions reduces taxable income and current tax bill while building future wealth. Priority Order:(1) 401(k) to employer match (free money), (2) HSA to maximum (triple tax benefit), (3) 401(k) to 10-15% of salary, (4) FSA for predictable expenses, (5) 401(k) to maximum ($23,000). Tax Savings Example: $100,000 income, 22% federal + 5% state + 7.65% FICA = 34.65% marginal rate. Contributing $20,000 to 401(k) saves $6,930 in taxes. Impact on Take-Home:While take-home decreases, net cost is less than contribution due to tax savings. $20,000 contribution only reduces take-home by $13,070. Balance: Don't over-contribute if it strains current budget; maintain emergency fund and debt payments.
Employer benefits can significantly increase total compensation beyond base salary. 401(k) Match: Contribute enough to get full match - typically 50-100% of 3-6% of salary. $60,000 salary with 6% contribution ($3,600) and 50% match = $1,800 free money (30% return!). HSA Employer Contribution: Some employers contribute $500-$1,500 to HSA.Health Insurance: Employer typically pays 70-80% of premium; family coverage can be $15,000-$20,000 value.Other Benefits: Life insurance (first $50,000 tax-free), disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, wellness programs, employee stock purchase plans (ESPP). Strategy: Review total compensation package, not just salary. Calculate value of all benefits when comparing job offers.
State of residence significantly impacts take-home pay. No-Tax States: Moving from California (9.3% tax) to Texas (0% tax) on $100,000 income saves $9,300/year ($775/month). Considerations: Property taxes, sales taxes, cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life. Remote Work: If working remotely, consider relocating to low-tax state (verify employer allows and handles tax withholding correctly). Multi-State: If working in one state and living in another, may owe taxes to both (with credit for taxes paid to other state). Reciprocal Agreements:Some states have agreements to avoid double taxation. Strategy: For high earners, state tax savings can be substantial; factor into relocation decisions.
Bonuses and overtime increase income but also tax withholding. Bonus Withholding: Employers typically withhold 22% federal (supplemental rate) regardless of actual tax bracket. If your bracket is lower, you'll get refund; if higher, may owe.Overtime Taxation: Taxed at regular rate, not higher rate (common misconception). Appears higher because larger paycheck pushes into higher bracket for that period. Strategy: (1) Increase 401(k) contribution before bonus to reduce taxes, (2) Time bonus to year with lower income if possible, (3) Use bonus for HSA max-out, debt payoff, or emergency fund, (4) Adjust W-4 if regular overtime significantly increases income. Planning: Don't rely on overtime for regular expenses; use for savings/debt reduction as it's not guaranteed.
Start with your gross salary and subtract pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health insurance. Then calculate federal and state taxes on the remaining taxable income. Finally, subtract FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) and any post-tax deductions. Our calculator automates this using current 2024 tax rates.
Typically 15-30% of your gross paycheck goes to taxes, depending on your income and state. This includes federal income tax (10-37%), state income tax (0-13%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Your actual rate varies based on filing status and deductions.
Aim to contribute at least 10-15% of your gross salary. The 2024 contribution limit is $23,000 ($30,500 if age 50+). Start by contributing enough to get your full employer match, then gradually increase your contribution rate over time.
Bi-weekly means you receive 26 paychecks per year (every 2 weeks), while semi-monthly means 24 paychecks per year (typically on the 1st and 15th). Bi-weekly results in two months each year where you receive three paychecks instead of two.
HSA contributions are pre-tax, reducing your taxable income. The money grows tax-free and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. For 2024, you can contribute up to $4,150 (individual) or $8,300 (family). You must have a high-deductible health plan to qualify.
Your first paycheck may be smaller because you started mid-pay period, so it only covers partial days worked. Additionally, benefit deductions and tax withholdings may be set up conservatively at first. Subsequent paychecks should reflect your expected amount once the payroll cycle normalizes.
You can adjust your W-4 by claiming eligible dependents or entering expected deductions in Step 4(b). This reduces your tax withholding and increases your take-home pay. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to find the right balance and avoid owing taxes at year-end.
Overtime is taxed at your regular income tax rate, not a special higher rate. It may appear to be taxed more because the larger paycheck temporarily pushes you into a higher withholding bracket for that pay period. Your annual tax return will reconcile any overwithholding.
Most employers allow you to change your 401(k) contribution at any time, with changes taking effect in the next pay period or month. Some plans have quarterly restrictions. Check with your HR department or benefits portal for your specific plan rules.
For 2024, the Social Security wage base limit is $168,600. You pay 6.2% Social Security tax only on earnings up to this amount. Earnings above this limit are not subject to Social Security tax, though Medicare tax (1.45%) continues to apply to all earnings.
Our calculator provides 95%+ accuracy using current 2024 federal and state tax rates. Actual paychecks may vary slightly due to employer-specific policies, local taxes, or mid-year tax changes. Use this calculator for planning purposes and verify exact amounts with your pay stub.
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Our calculator uses official data from these authoritative sources to ensure accuracy:
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current tax laws. Consult a certified tax professional or CPA for personalized advice. Tax laws are subject to change.
This take-home paycheck calculator is developed and maintained by financial technology experts with extensive experience in payroll systems and tax calculations. Our team regularly updates the calculator to reflect the latest IRS tax brackets, state tax rates, and FICA limits.
Data Sources: All tax rates and limits are sourced directly from official IRS publications, Social Security Administration guidelines, and state revenue departments. We cross-reference multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy.
Expert Review: Our calculations are reviewed by certified public accountants (CPAs) and payroll specialists to ensure compliance with current tax laws and regulations. Last reviewed: December 2024.