USA Tax & Paycheck Calculator
Paycheck Calculator – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Before-Tax vs. After-Tax Income
When talking about salary in the U.S., the figure most often used is gross pay (before taxes and deductions). This is the number used on loan applications, tax brackets, and salary comparisons.
However, for day-to-day budgeting, the more useful number is after-tax income (also called take-home pay or disposable income). This is the amount you actually receive in your paycheck after taxes, insurance, and other deductions.
Our calculator lets you enter your annual salary (before tax) and see the final paycheck (after tax) including deductions.
Pay Frequency Options
Employers pay workers on different schedules. The most common are:
- Weekly – once per week.
- Bi-weekly – every two weeks (26 paychecks a year).
- Semi-monthly – twice per month (24 paychecks a year).
- Monthly – once per month.
While bi-weekly and semi-monthly look similar, bi-weekly gives two extra paychecks per year. Employees generally prefer frequent pay, but employers may choose less frequent schedules to reduce processing costs.
Filing Status
Your IRS filing status affects how much tax is withheld. The main categories are:
- Single – not married, divorced, or legally separated.
- Married Filing Jointly – one combined return for spouses.
- Married Filing Separately – spouses file individually.
- Head of Household – single, but providing for a dependent.
- Qualifying Widow(er) – with a dependent child, up to two years after a spouse’s death.
Choosing the correct status can lower your total tax bill.
Deductions Explained
Deductions reduce your taxable income and can come in three main forms:
- Pre-tax deductions – taken before taxes (401k contributions, health insurance, HSA, union dues).
- Adjustments – not withheld by your employer, but deductible later (IRA contributions, student loan interest).
- Itemized deductions – expenses such as mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable donations, and medical costs.
If you don’t itemize, you can use the standard deduction ($15,000 for singles, $30,000 for joint filers in 2025).
Types of Taxes Withheld
Federal Income Tax
The U.S. has a progressive tax system. Higher income means higher tax rates, up to 37% in 2025.
State Income Tax
Not all states tax income. Some (like Texas, Florida, and Nevada) have no state income tax, while others (like California) have top rates above 13%.
Local Taxes
Certain cities (like New York City) add their own local income tax.
FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $176,100 (2025 cap).
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, with an extra 0.9% for high earners.
Employees split these costs with employers, but self-employed workers pay the full share.
How to Increase Take-Home Pay
If your paycheck feels too small, there are several strategies:
- Ask for a raise or promotion if performance justifies it.
- Compare health insurance options to lower payroll deductions.
- Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars.
- Work overtime if eligible for time-and-a-half pay.
- Cash out unused PTO if your employer allows it.
- Pause or reduce 401(k) contributions during financial hardship (but aim to at least meet employer match).
2025 Federal Tax Brackets
| Taxable Income | Single | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 | $0 – $17,000 | 10% | |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | $23,851 – $96,950 | $17,001 – $64,850 | 12% | |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | $96,951 – $206,700 | $64,851 – $103,350 | 22% | |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | $206,701 – $394,600 | $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% | |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | $394,601 – $501,050 | $197,301 – $250,500 | 32% | |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | $501,051 – $751,600 | $250,501 – $626,350 | 35% | |
| $626,351+ | $751,601+ | $626,351+ | 37% |
Standard deductions (2025):
- Single: $15,000
- Married Filing Jointly: $30,000
- Head of Household: $22,500