Estimate income tax and paycheck.
Estimate income tax and paycheck.
This calculator uses the official 2026 federal income tax brackets, the 2026 standard deduction, and an estimate of FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare). It provides an estimate for W-2 employees. Self-employed individuals pay double FICA and should use a dedicated self-employment tax calculator.
The calculator does not account for deductions beyond the standard deduction, capital gains, investment income, credits, or alternative minimum tax (AMT). For a precise figure, consult a tax professional or use IRS Form 1040.
Your marginal rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income โ the top bracket you fall into. Your effective rate is the actual average rate you pay across all income. For example, a single filer earning $75,000 might have a 22% marginal rate but only a 13% effective rate, because lower income levels are taxed at 10% and 12%.
For 2026: Single filers โ $15,000; Married Filing Jointly โ $30,000; Head of Household โ $22,500. These amounts are deducted from your gross income before applying the tax brackets. If your itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, etc.) exceed these amounts, itemizing may lower your tax bill.
FICA is Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%) = 7.65%, withheld from your paycheck. Your employer also pays a matching 7.65%. Social Security applies only to the first $168,600 of wages in 2026. Medicare has no wage cap, and high earners pay an additional 0.9% above $200,000.
Common strategies include: maximizing 401k/IRA contributions (reduces taxable income), contributing to an HSA if you have a qualifying health plan ($4,300 individual / $8,550 family in 2026), harvesting investment losses, and if self-employed, deducting legitimate business expenses. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.