Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, FICA, and retirement contributions. See your net paycheck amount.
How Is This Calculated?
Your paycheck is calculated by subtracting deductions from your gross pay: Net Pay = Gross Pay – Federal Tax – State Tax – FICA (Social Security + Medicare) – Retirement Contributions • Federal tax is based on IRS tax brackets for your filing status • FICA includes Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) = 7.65% total • State tax varies by state (0% in states like TX, FL, WA; up to 13%+ in CA) • Retirement contributions (401k/403b) are deducted pre-tax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FICA tax?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on income up to $168,600 in 2025) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all income). Your employer matches these contributions.
How can I increase my take-home pay?
You can increase take-home pay by: adjusting W-4 withholdings, contributing less to retirement (though this reduces savings), using pre-tax benefits like FSA/HSA, or moving to a state with no income tax.