What comes out of a US paycheck
- Federal income tax — progressive brackets from 10% to 37%, applied after the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household for 2026).
- Social Security — 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026.
- Medicare — 1.45% of all wages, plus an extra 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers).
- State and local income tax — varies widely. Nine states, including Texas and Florida, have no state tax on wages. Enter your approximate rate as a percentage.
- Pre-tax deductions — traditional 401(k) and similar contributions lower your taxable income.
2026 U.S. federal income tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
Brackets apply to taxable income (income after deductions), and only the portion within each bracket is taxed at that rate. Moving into a higher bracket never reduces your take-home pay.
Why your real paycheck may differ
Employers withhold based on your W-4, which may include credits (such as the child tax credit), extra withholding or other income. Bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22%. Health, dental and HSA deductions may also lower Social Security and Medicare wages. Use this calculator as a planning estimate and check your pay stub for exact figures.