Home › All tools › U.S. Paycheck Estimator (Federal)
U.S. Paycheck Estimator (Federal)
Estimate take-home pay after federal income tax and employee payroll taxes. Choose a filing status and pay schedule; state and local taxes are left out.
How this paycheck estimate works
The estimator annualizes the paycheck, applies the 2026 federal standard deduction and income-tax brackets for the selected filing status, then estimates employee Social Security and Medicare taxes. The result is divided by the selected number of pay periods.
It does not include state or local income tax, tax credits, extra withholding, benefit premiums, special W-4 adjustments, additional Medicare tax, or the federal deductions for certain tips and overtime. Actual payroll withholding can differ.
Federal figures are based on the IRS 2026 tax tables and Social Security 2026 wage base. Recheck these figures when the tax year changes.
This is an estimate for planning, not tax or payroll advice. Your inputs stay in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include state income tax?
No. It estimates federal income tax and employee Social Security and Medicare only. State and local taxes vary by location.
Will it match my actual pay stub?
Not necessarily. Employer withholding, benefits, credits and W-4 settings can change your take-home pay.