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U.S. Paycheck Estimator (Federal)
Estimate take-home pay after federal income tax and employee payroll taxes. Choose a filing status and pay schedule; state and local taxes are left out.
Quick answer
Quick answer: Take-home pay = gross pay − federal income tax − Social Security (6.2%) − Medicare (1.45%) − other deductions. For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 (single), $32,200 (married filing jointly) or $24,150 (head of household), and Social Security tax stops after $184,500 of wages.
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How this paycheck estimate works
The estimator annualizes the paycheck, applies the 2026 federal standard deduction and income-tax brackets for the selected filing status, then estimates employee Social Security and Medicare taxes. The result is divided by the selected number of pay periods.
It does not include state or local income tax, tax credits, extra withholding, benefit premiums, special W-4 adjustments, additional Medicare tax, or the federal deductions for certain tips and overtime. Actual payroll withholding can differ.
Federal figures are based on the IRS 2026 tax tables and Social Security 2026 wage base. Recheck these figures when the tax year changes.
This is an estimate for planning, not tax or payroll advice. Your inputs stay in this browser.
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2026 federal payroll figures used
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction – single | $16,100 |
| Standard deduction – married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Standard deduction – head of household | $24,150 |
| Social Security tax (employee) | 6.2% up to $184,500 of wages |
| Medicare tax (employee) | 1.45% on all wages (no cap) |
Example
On a $2,500 paycheck paid every two weeks, Social Security is $155.00 (6.2%) and Medicare is $36.25 (1.45%), so $191.25 goes to FICA before federal income tax is taken out. Annual pay at that rate is $65,000 (26 checks).
Sources: IRS Publication 15 (2026) and IRS Publication 505 (2026). Related: sales tax calculator, hours calculator, percentage calculator.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does this include state income tax?
No. It estimates federal income tax and employee Social Security and Medicare only. State and local taxes vary by location.
Will it match my actual pay stub?
Not necessarily. Employer withholding, benefits, credits and W-4 settings can change your take-home pay.
How much Social Security and Medicare is taken from my paycheck in 2026?
6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $184,500 for the year, and 1.45% for Medicare on all wages. Employers pay a matching amount.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household, according to the IRS.