How do I calculate my take-home pay?

Start with gross pay, subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, health insurance), then calculate federal income tax using 2026 brackets, add FICA (7.65%), subtract state income tax, then subtract any post-tax deductions.

What percentage of my paycheck goes to taxes?

For most Americans, total payroll taxes are 20-30% of gross income. This includes federal income tax (effective rate typically 10-22%), FICA (7.65%), and state income tax (0-13% depending on state).

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How to Calculate Paycheck Taxes 2026 — Step by Step Guide

February 24, 2026 · 8 min read

Understanding your paycheck taxes helps you budget better, spot errors, and find ways to legally reduce what you owe. Here's the exact process used to calculate every deduction on your pay stub — with a real $75,000 salary example throughout.

Start With Gross Pay

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. For salaried workers: Annual salary ÷ pay periods. For hourly: Hours worked × hourly rate.

Example: $75,000 annual salary ÷ 26 biweekly pay periods = $2,884.62 gross per paycheck

Subtract Pre-Tax Deductions

Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income. Common ones: 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, health insurance premiums (if employer-sponsored), dental/vision premiums, FSA contributions.

Example: $75,000 − $6,000 (401k) − $2,000 (health insurance) = $67,000 taxable income

Calculate Federal Income Tax

Federal income tax uses progressive brackets — you only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold. For 2026 single filers, the standard deduction is $15,000.

Example: $67,000 − $15,000 standard deduction = $52,000 taxable. Tax: $1,160 (10%) + $4,266 (12%) + $1,045 (22%) = $6,471

Calculate FICA Taxes

FICA is calculated on gross wages (before 401k, but usually after health insurance). Social Security: 6.2% up to $184,500. Medicare: 1.45% on all wages.

Example: $75,000 × 6.2% = $4,650 Social Security + $75,000 × 1.45% = $1,088 Medicare = $5,738 total FICA

Calculate State Income Tax

State tax varies by state — from 0% (Texas, Florida) to 13.3% (California top rate). Most states use taxable income after the federal standard deduction.

Example: California example: $52,000 taxable × ~6% effective rate ≈ $3,120 state tax

Add Post-Tax Deductions

Some deductions come out after tax: Roth 401(k), life insurance (some amounts), wage garnishments, union dues.

Example: Roth IRA contributions, if any, come after all taxes are calculated

2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filer)

10%$0 – $11,925First $11,925

12%$11,926 – $48,475Next $36,550

22%$48,476 – $103,350Next $54,875

24%$103,351 – $197,300Next $93,950

32%$197,301 – $250,525Next $53,225

35%$250,526 – $626,350Next $375,825

37%$626,351 – +Above $626,350

Complete $75,000 Example Summary

Gross Annual Salary$75,000

401(k) Contribution− $6,000

Health Insurance− $2,000

Federal Income Tax− $6,471

Social Security (6.2%)− $4,650

Medicare (1.45%)− $1,088

State Tax (CA ~6%)− $3,120

Estimated Take-Home$51,671/year

Per Month~$4,306

Per Paycheck (bi-weekly)~$1,988

Skip the Math — Use the Calculator

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→ What is FICA Tax? Social Security & Medicare Explained → How to Read Your Pay Stub — Every Line Explained → States With No Income Tax 2026