Free US Salary
Paycheck Calculator

Our calculator uses the official 2025 IRS federal tax brackets and current state tax rates. Results are typically within 1–2% of your actual paycheck. Minor differences can occur due to local taxes, employer-specific deductions, or withholding adjustments on your W-4.

Gross pay is your total salary before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance are removed.

Common pre-tax deductions include 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, dental and vision premiums, FSA/HSA contributions, and commuter benefits. These reduce your taxable income and therefore your tax bill.

Our standard calculator covers federal and state income taxes. Some cities (New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, etc.) levy additional local income taxes. If your city has one, add it to your pre-tax or post-tax deductions for an accurate result.

Submit a new W-4 to your employer's HR or payroll department. To reduce withholding (bigger paychecks), increase your allowances or claim deductions. To increase withholding (avoid owing taxes), request additional withholding on line 4c of the W-4.

Nine states have no state income tax on wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, you only pay federal income tax and FICA, which means a higher take-home pay.