Paycheck Calculator
Where is your money going?
Official Sources & References
This content references data from the following authoritative sources. All tax rates, brackets, and thresholds are verified against official government publications:
- IRS Tax Brackets 2025
- IRS W-4 Tax Withholding Estimator
- SSA 2025 Wage Base Limit
- US Dept. of Labor - Minimum Wage
- IRS Publication 15 (Employer's Tax Guide)
- IRS Tax Brackets 2025
- SSA 2025 FICA Limits
- BLS Employment Data
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for guidance specific to your situation.
How the Paycheck Calculator Works
PaycheckWiz uses the official 2025 IRS tax brackets and your state's current income tax rates to calculate your exact take-home pay. Unlike simplified estimators, our calculator accounts for every deduction that appears on a real pay stub:
- Federal Income Tax — calculated using progressive 2025 tax brackets for your filing status, after applying the standard deduction
- Social Security — 6.2% of gross wages up to the $176,100 wage base (2025)
- Medicare — 1.45% of all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings over $200,000
- State Income Tax — applied using your state's specific rates and brackets (or zero for the 9 no-income-tax states)
- Pre-Tax Deductions — 401(k), HSA, FSA, and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income
- Post-Tax Deductions — Roth 401(k), life insurance, and other after-tax deductions
Understanding Your Paycheck Deductions
Most Americans are surprised by how much is deducted from their paycheck. Here's a breakdown of what each deduction means and why it exists:
Federal Income Tax
The federal government uses a progressive tax system with seven brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. You don't pay your top rate on all income — only on the portion that falls within each bracket. For 2025, a single filer with $60,000 in taxable income pays 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on the next $36,550, and 22% on the remaining $11,525.
FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. These taxes fund Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare health coverage. Every employee pays 6.2% for Social Security (on wages up to $176,100 in 2025) and 1.45% for Medicare on all wages. Your employer matches these contributions dollar-for-dollar.
State Income Tax
State income tax varies dramatically across the US. Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — have no state income tax at all. California has the highest top rate at 13.3%, while states like Indiana and Michigan use a flat rate around 3–4%.
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income (Single) | Taxable Income (Married) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 |
| 12% | $11,926 – $48,475 | $23,851 – $96,950 |
| 22% | $48,476 – $103,350 | $96,951 – $206,700 |
| 24% | $103,351 – $197,300 | $206,701 – $394,600 |
| 32% | $197,301 – $250,525 | $394,601 – $501,050 |
| 35% | $250,526 – $626,350 | $501,051 – $751,600 |
| 37% | Over $626,350 | Over $751,600 |
More Paycheck Calculators
Paycheck Calculator by State
Every state has different income tax rates, brackets, and rules. Select your state for a calculator pre-configured with your state's exact tax data, minimum wage, and paycheck laws.