2026 PAYCHECK TAX CALCULATOR
See how much tax comes out of your paycheck.
Estimate federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax, total payroll taxes, and your remaining take-home pay.
Paycheck details
HOW IT WORKS
What taxes are taken out of a paycheck?
Employees commonly see several types of taxes withheld from their paychecks. The largest categories are federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and, in many states, state income tax.
TAX BREAKDOWN
How much tax is taken from a paycheck?
There is no single percentage that applies to every paycheck. Your tax amount depends on your income, filing status, state, deductions, withholding elections, and other factors.
The effective tax rate shown by PaycheckMint represents estimated federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state tax as a percentage of gross annual pay.
A worker earning $75,000 may have federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and possibly state income tax withheld from their paychecks. The exact amounts depend on the worker's circumstances.
FEDERAL TAX
Federal income tax on your paycheck
Federal income tax uses progressive tax rates. This means that different portions of taxable income can be taxed at different rates rather than the entire salary being taxed at one rate.
Your filing status and deductions affect taxable income. PaycheckMint uses a simplified 2026 federal estimate to provide an easy-to-understand result.
Standard deduction
The standard deduction can reduce the amount of income subject to federal income tax. The amount depends on your filing status.
FICA TAX
Social Security and Medicare taxes
Social Security tax
Employees generally pay 6.2% Social Security tax on covered wages up to the annual Social Security wage base.
Medicare tax
Employees generally pay 1.45% Medicare tax on covered wages. Higher earners may also be subject to the Additional Medicare Tax.
These payroll taxes are separate from federal income tax and are commonly grouped together as FICA taxes.
STATE TAX
State income tax on a paycheck
State income tax varies widely across the United States. Some states do not impose a broad individual income tax, while others have state income tax systems with multiple rates and deductions.
PaycheckMint uses simplified state estimates on this calculator. Actual state withholding may differ because state payroll calculations can include brackets, exemptions, local taxes, credits, and other rules.
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
What is an effective tax rate?
Your effective tax rate is the total estimated tax divided by your gross income. It gives you a simple way to understand what percentage of your earnings is going toward the taxes included in the estimate.
If your gross annual income is $80,000 and the taxes included in the estimate total $16,000, your effective tax rate would be 20%.
METHODOLOGY
How PaycheckMint estimates paycheck taxes
The calculator annualizes your gross pay and estimates federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state tax. The estimated annual amounts are then divided by your selected pay frequency.
Pre-tax deductions entered into the calculator can reduce the estimated taxable income. Post-tax deductions affect take-home pay but do not directly reduce the estimated federal taxable income in this simplified model.
Important: This calculator provides an educational estimate rather than an official payroll withholding calculation. Actual withholding can differ because of Form W-4 elections, employer payroll systems, state and local rules, benefits, year-to-date wages, tax credits, and other circumstances.
FAQ
Paycheck tax calculator questions
What is a paycheck tax calculator?
A paycheck tax calculator estimates the taxes that may be withheld from your paycheck, including federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax.
How much tax is taken out of a paycheck?
It depends on your income, filing status, pay frequency, state, deductions, withholding elections, and other circumstances.
What taxes are normally taken from a paycheck?
Common employee payroll taxes include federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax where applicable.
Does this calculator show exact withholding?
No. PaycheckMint provides an estimate. Actual payroll withholding depends on your Form W-4, employer payroll system, state and local rules, deductions, benefits, and other factors.
What is the difference between tax rate and effective tax rate?
A marginal tax rate applies to a particular portion of taxable income. An effective tax rate represents total estimated taxes as a percentage of total gross income.
DISCLAIMER
Paycheck tax calculator limitations
PaycheckMint provides general educational estimates and does not provide tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice.
Tax laws and payroll rules can change. For official withholding calculations, consult current IRS guidance, applicable state guidance, or your employer's payroll department.