US Paycheck Calculator 2026 — Texas, California & 50 States Take-Home Pay 2026 — Free Online Tool

US PAYCHECK CALCULATOR — COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL REFERENCE (2026) The US payroll system is among the most complex globally, with federal, state, FICA, and local taxes. This reference covers all major components. CORE US PAYCHECK CALCULATION: 1. Determine gross pay (period × annual rate) 2. Subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA, commuter) 3. Calculate federal taxable income: Gross - Pre-tax - Standard Deduction 4. Apply federal tax brackets (progressive) 5. Subtract state tax (0-13.3% by state) 6. Calculate FICA: SS 6.2% + Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% addl on high earners) 7. Subtract post-tax deductions (health, dental, life, Roth) 8. NET = take-home pay 2026 FEDERAL TAX BRACKETS: Single: 10% to $11,600 12% to $47,150 22% to $100,525 24% to $191,950 32% to $243,725 35% to $609,350 37% above Married Filing Jointly: 10% to $23,200 12% to $94,300 22% to $201,050 24% to $383,900 32% to $487,450 35% to $731,200 37% above Head of Household: 10% to $16,550 12% to $63,100 22% to $100,500 24% to $191,950 32% to $243,700 35% to $609,350 37% above FICA 2026: Social Security: 6.2% (employee) + 6.2% (employer) = 12.4% total Wage base: $168,600 (2026) Medicare: 1.45% + 1.45% = 2.9% total Additional Medicare: 0.9% on wages > $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (MFJ) Self-employment: 15.3% (12.4% SS + 2.9% Medicare) US STATES WITH NO STATE INCOME TAX (9): Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming (Note: NH ended tax on interest/dividends in 2025) TOP STATE INCOME TAX RATES (2026): California: 13.3% Hawaii: 11.0% Oregon: 9.9% Minnesota: 9.85% DC: 9.75% New York: 10.9% New Jersey: 10.75% Maryland: 5.75% (county + state = ~9%) Vermont: 8.75% 2026 401(k) LIMITS: Employee contribution: $23,500 Catch-up (50+): $7,500 Total (employee + employer): $69,000 ($76,500 with catch-up) HSA LIMITS 2026: Individual: $4,400 Family: $8,750 Catch-up (55+): $1,000 FSA LIMIT 2026: $3,300 COMMUTER LIMIT 2026: $315/month PRE-TAX vs POST-TAX DEDUCTIONS: Pre-tax: 401(k) Traditional, HSA, FSA, Commuter, Health insurance (employer plan), Student loan interest (above-line) Post-tax: Roth 401(k), Roth IRA, Health insurance (private), Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Disability, Garnishments CHILD TAX CREDIT 2026: $2,000 per qualifying child under 17 Phase-out: $400,000 (MFJ) / $200,000 (single) Refundable portion: Up to $1,700 per child (ACTC) EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT 2026: Max credit: $7,830 (3+ children, MFJ) Income limits: $56,004-$68,675 (MFJ) Refundable: Yes STANDARD DEDUCTION 2026: Single: $14,600 MFJ: $29,200 MFS: $14,600 HoH: $21,900 SALT DEDUCTION CAP: $10,000 (since 2017 TCJA) ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENTS (Quarterly): Required if expect to owe $1,000+ Due: April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15 (next year) Penalty: Failure-to-Pay estimate 8% annually HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE (ACA): 2026 Open Enrollment: Nov 2025 - Jan 2026 Premium subsidies based on income (FPL 100-400%) $0 premium plans available for low-income RETIREMENT ACCOUNT TYPES: Traditional 401(k): Pre-tax, taxed at withdrawal Roth 401(k): Post-tax, tax-free at withdrawal Traditional IRA: Pre-tax (subject to income limits) Roth IRA: Post-tax (subject to income limits) SEP-IRA: For self-employed SIMPLE IRA: For small businesses Solo 401(k): Self-employed 403(b): Non-profit employers 457(b): Government employers This tool is provided by PakDigitalz.com. All calculations are estimates. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.