What comes out of your paycheck
Your gross pay is reduced by federal income tax withholding and FICA — 6.2% Social Security up to the wage base plus 1.45% Medicare.
What is left is your take-home (net) pay. This calculator estimates it from your salary, filing status and pay frequency.
Real paychecks may also have state tax, retirement contributions, and health insurance taken out, which this federal estimate does not model.
Why filing status and frequency matter
Filing status sets your standard deduction and brackets, so a married-filing-jointly earner keeps more of the same salary than a single filer.
Pay frequency only splits the same annual net into more or fewer paychecks — weekly cheques are smaller than monthly ones, but the yearly total is the same.
Take-home is an estimate
Actual withholding depends on your W-4, pre-tax deductions and credits, so your real paycheck may differ from this figure.
This is a federal estimate using 2025 tax-year figures and the inputs you provide. It does not include state tax, credits, or every deduction. Confirm with the IRS or a tax professional before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
It depends on your salary and filing status, but federal income tax plus 7.65% FICA typically takes a meaningful share. The calculator shows the exact estimated amounts.
Does this include state taxes?
No — this is a federal estimate (income tax + FICA). Add your state income tax separately, or use the state tax calculators.
What is FICA?
FICA is the combined Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) payroll tax withheld from your wages, matched by your employer.
Why is my real paycheck different?
Your W-4 elections, 401(k) and health-insurance deductions, and state tax all affect withholding, which this federal-only estimate does not include.