Salary Calculator

How it works

FAQ

How are federal tax brackets calculated?

Federal income tax uses a progressive bracket system. Your income is divided into portions, each taxed at a progressively higher rate. For example, in 2026 a single filer pays 10% on the first $11,925 of taxable income, 12% on the next portion up to $48,475, and so on. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — not your entire income.

What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?

Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — the highest bracket you fall into. Your effective tax rate is the average rate you actually pay across all your income. For example, a single filer earning $100,000 might have a 22% marginal rate but an effective rate of only about 15% because much of their income is taxed at lower rates.

What is FICA and how is it calculated?

FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on wages up to $176,100 in 2026) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages over $200,000 for single filers). Your employer pays a matching amount. FICA is separate from income tax.

Which states have no income tax?

Nine states have no personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Residents of these states only pay federal income tax and FICA on their wages.

Does this calculator account for deductions and credits?

This calculator applies the standard deduction for your filing status. It does not account for itemized deductions, tax credits, pre-tax contributions (like 401k), or other adjustments that could reduce your taxable income. Your actual take-home pay may be higher if you have additional deductions.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides estimates based on projected 2026 federal and state tax brackets with standard deductions. It does not account for local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, pre-tax retirement contributions, or other adjustments. For precise tax planning, consult a tax professional.