Paycheck Calculator
How much of your paycheck do you actually keep? Pick your state below, enter your gross pay, pay frequency and filing status, and this free 2026 paycheck calculator estimates your federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax — showing your take-home pay per paycheck and per year. Nine states have no wage income tax at all. Drive for Uber, deliver for DoorDash, or freelance? Switch to Self-employed mode for 1099/gig tax: self-employment tax plus quarterly estimated payments. Runs entirely in your browser.
How the estimate works
- Annualized. Your per-paycheck pay is multiplied into an annual gross salary.
- Federal tax. 2026 brackets (10%–37%) apply to gross minus the 2026 federal standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 joint / $24,150 head of household).
- FICA. Social Security 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500; Medicare 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% additional Medicare over $200,000 ($250,000 joint).
- State tax. Each state's verified 2026 brackets, standard deduction, exemptions and credits are applied. Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — levy no tax on wage income.
Paycheck calculators by state
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my take-home pay?
Take your gross pay per paycheck, annualize it, subtract the standard deduction, apply federal and state marginal brackets, subtract Social Security (6.2% to $184,500) and Medicare (1.45% plus 0.9% over $200,000), and divide back by your number of paychecks. This calculator does all of that for you.
Which states have no income tax in 2026?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming levy no individual income tax at all. Washington taxes capital gains for high earners but not wage income, so paychecks there also face $0 state income tax.
Why doesn't my actual paycheck match this estimate?
Employers withhold using IRS and state withholding tables per pay period, and your real pay is reduced by pre-tax items this tool can't see — 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA/FSA contributions — plus any local income taxes. Treat this as a planning estimate, not a pay stub.
Is this paycheck calculator free?
Yes — like every Everyday Toolbox tool, it is free, requires no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Your salary figures never leave your device.
How much tax does an Uber driver pay?
Gig drivers pay two taxes on net profit (income minus mileage, platform fees, and other business expenses). First, self-employment tax: 15.3% of 92.35% of net profit (12.4% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, plus 2.9% Medicare). Second, regular income tax on profit minus half of SE tax and the standard deduction. A driver with $60,000 in payouts and $12,000 in expenses owes roughly $6,780 in SE tax plus ~$3,170 in federal income tax (single, 2026). Switch to Self-employed mode above to run your own numbers.
Do gig workers have to pay taxes quarterly?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, yes — the IRS wants quarterly estimated payments by January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15, and there is an underpayment penalty if you skip them. A practical rule: set aside 25–30% of every payout as you earn it, then send a quarter of your estimated annual tax each due date. The calculator's self-employed mode shows your per-quarter target.
Estimate only — not tax advice. This calculator annualizes your gross wages, subtracts the 2026 standard deduction (and state personal exemptions/credits where shown), and applies 2026 marginal brackets. It does not model pre-tax deductions (401(k), health insurance), itemized deductions, credits you may qualify for, phaseouts, or local/city/county income taxes. Your employer's per-paycheck withholding may differ. Consult a tax professional for your situation.