Paycheck Calculator

What this calculator doesn't account for

This result is an estimate. Here's exactly what's simplified, so you know what to double-check:

• Federal withholding method:this uses the same annual tax brackets you'd use to file a return, as a proxy for the IRS's actual payroll withholding method (Publication 15-T), which uses its own slightly different table. Your actual paycheck withholding may differ somewhat from this estimate.
• State income tax for most states:the 13 states with a single flat rate (and the District of Columbia's no-tax neighbors) are calculated precisely. States with progressive brackets are shown as a rough estimate using that state's top marginal rate, flagged in the breakdown above — not their real bracket structure. Check your state's official withholding calculator for an exact figure.
• Dependent credit: a flat $2,000 per dependent (the Form W-4 Step 3 default), with no phase-out at higher incomes modeled.
• Consistent pay assumed:the Social Security wage base cap is applied by annualizing this one paycheck — a raise, bonus, or job change partway through the year isn't reflected.
• No local income tax: some cities (New York City, Philadelphia, and others) levy their own local income tax on top of state and federal — not modeled here.
• Other income or deductions:this only models a single paycheck from one job — other income, itemized deductions, or additional tax credits aren't factored in.

In short: this tool gives you a fast, useful estimate for comparing scenarios (like how your take-home pay changes with a raise or a bigger 401(k) contribution), but it doesn't replace what your employer's payroll system actually withholds, or what a CPA would calculate for your full tax return.