How take-home pay is calculated
Gross pay minus pre-tax 401(k), then federal income tax (2025 brackets after standard deduction), FICA (6.2% Social Security up to the wage cap + 1.45% Medicare, plus 0.9% additional Medicare over $200k), and your state's income tax rate. Enter 0% state tax for TX, FL, WA, NV, TN, SD, WY, AK, NH.
FAQ
Why is my actual paycheck slightly different?
Employers withhold using IRS Form W-4 tables, and benefits like health insurance premiums also reduce pay. This tool estimates true tax liability spread evenly across paychecks.
Does contributing to a 401(k) lower my taxes?
Yes — traditional 401(k) contributions reduce federal and state taxable income now. Move the slider and watch the federal tax line drop.