💵 Paycheck Calculator — 2026 Net Take-Home Pay
Calculate your exact take-home pay after 2026 federal income tax brackets, state income tax for all 50 states, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health insurance. Supports hourly and salaried workers.
Your Pay Information
Understanding Your 2026 US Paycheck Deductions
Every American worker's gross pay goes through multiple layers of withholding before reaching your bank account. Understanding these deductions helps you plan finances, adjust your W-4, maximize pre-tax savings, and avoid surprise tax bills.
The Net Pay Formula
− Pre-Tax Deductions (401k, Health Insurance, HSA)
− Federal Income Tax (10% to 37% progressive brackets)
− Social Security (6.2% on up to $176,100)
− Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% surtax above $200,000)
− State Income Tax (0% to 13.3% depending on state)
= Net Take-Home Pay
Key 2026 Tax Numbers
- Standard Deduction: $15,000 (Single) | $30,000 (Married Jointly) | $22,500 (Head of Household)
- 401(k) Limit: $23,500/year (under 50) | $31,000/year (age 50+ catch-up)
- HSA Limit: $4,300 self-only | $8,550 family — reduces ALL payroll taxes
- Social Security Wage Base: $176,100 — 6.2% only on wages up to this cap
- Medicare Surtax: Extra 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (married)
How to Increase Take-Home Pay Legally
- Maximize 401(k): Reduces federal taxable income dollar-for-dollar
- Use an HSA: Triple tax benefit — reduces income tax AND FICA taxes
- Adjust your W-4: If you get refunds over $1,000, you’re over-withholding
- No-tax state: TX, FL, WA, and 6 others charge zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
How much federal tax is taken out of my paycheck in 2026?
Federal income tax is progressive. After the $15,000 standard deduction (single), workers earning $50,000 pay an effective federal rate of about 12–14%, not the full 22% marginal rate. Use this calculator to see your exact amount.
What is Social Security tax and when does it stop?
Social Security (OASDI) is 6.2% of wages up to the $176,100 wage base in 2026. Once your earnings hit $176,100 for the year, Social Security withholding stops for that year. High earners get a bigger paycheck in later months.
Which US states have no income tax in 2026?
Nine states: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Moving from California (9.3% state rate) to Texas saves the average worker $4,000–$12,000+ per year.
How does 401(k) contribution affect my paycheck?
A traditional 401(k) contribution reduces your federal and state taxable income immediately. A 6% contribution on a $70,000 salary ($350/paycheck bi-weekly) saves approximately $77–$100 in taxes per paycheck, meaning your net pay only drops by $250–$273 despite saving $350.