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Paycheck Calculator

A quick estimate of federal take-home pay. We use recent federal bracket and standard deduction amounts, plus the 2026 FICA wage base. State income tax is excluded - add yours separately.

Estimate, not a paystub

This calculator ignores state income tax, local tax, additional withholding, tax credits, and post-tax deductions. For a real paycheck, look at your actual stub.

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How federal brackets actually work

"In the 22% bracket" does not mean 22% of your money goes to the IRS. The first chunk is taxed at 10%, the next at 12%, the next at 22%, and so on. Your marginal rate is 22%; your effective rate is much lower. This calculator shows the effective rate.

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