How much tax is taken out of my paycheck?

Your paycheck is reduced by federal income tax (based on 2026 brackets and your W-4), Social Security at 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare at 1.45%, and state/local tax. For many workers this totals 20–30% of gross pay.

What is paycheck withholding?

Withholding is the tax your employer removes from each paycheck and sends to the IRS and state on your behalf. You control federal withholding with Form W-4. Too little means a bill in April; too much means a refund but smaller checks all year.

Do pre-tax deductions reduce my taxes?

Yes. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower your federal and state taxable income (but not Social Security/Medicare wages). Pre-tax health premiums lower both income tax and FICA.

Paycheck Tax Calculator 2026 — Federal, FICA & State Withholding

See every tax withheld from your paycheck

This paycheck tax calculator breaks down each withholding: federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare (including the 0.9% additional Medicare tax for high earners), and state tax. Enter your income, filing status, state, and deductions to see your after-tax take-home pay for 2026.

Federal income tax withholding

Federal tax is calculated on your taxable income — gross pay minus the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) and pre-tax contributions — using the IRS marginal brackets from 10% to 37%.

FICA: Social Security and Medicare

FICA is a flat payroll tax: 6.2% Social Security on wages up to $184,500 in 2026, plus 1.45% Medicare on all wages. High earners pay an extra 0.9% Medicare above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).

Adjusting your withholding

If you consistently get a large refund, you’re over-withholding — update your W-4 to keep more of each paycheck. If you owe every April, increase withholding. The goal is to break even.

Paycheck Tax Calculator