How we calculate take-home pay

Every figure on this site comes from one open calculation engine applied consistently to every page.

Federal (2026)

• IRS 2026 income tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 married filing jointly / $24,150 head of household).
• Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500. Medicare: 1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (joint).
• Child Tax Credit: $2,200 per child under 17, reduced above $200,000 / $400,000 of income.

State

We apply each state's income tax brackets, standard deduction, exemptions and credits, plus employee payroll programs such as disability and paid family leave (CA, NJ, NY, MA, PA). Verified states use their 2026 rules; states marked as estimates use a simplified rate until their full brackets are added.

What we leave out

• City and county income taxes (e.g. New York City, Philadelphia, Ohio municipalities, Indiana counties).
• Itemized deductions, tax credits other than the Child Tax Credit, and the refundable part of credits.
• Withholding quirks: your actual paycheck depends on your W-4, so withholding can differ from your final tax bill.
• Pre-tax deductions are treated as reducing income tax but not Social Security or Medicare (true for 401(k), but not for health premiums under a cafeteria plan).

This is an estimate, not tax advice.