🏛 Federal Income Tax
Federal tax uses a progressive bracket system — you only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold. A $75,000 salary does not mean you pay 22% on all of it. Most people's effective rate is much lower than their marginal bracket.
🏙 State Income Tax
State taxes vary dramatically — from 0% in Texas, Florida, and 7 other states, to 13.3% at the top bracket in California. States like Colorado use a flat rate (4.4%), while others like New York use progressive brackets.
💼 FICA Taxes
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are taken from every paycheck. Social Security stops applying once your annual wages exceed $176,100 in 2026. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wages above $200,000.
📉 Pre-Tax Deductions
401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, and FSA amounts reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated. A $500/month 401(k) contribution can save you $110–$185/month in taxes depending on your bracket.
📅 Pay Frequency Matters
How often you're paid affects your withholding amount per check. Bi-weekly pay means 26 paychecks per year — two months have 3 paychecks instead of 2. Annual salary divided by 26 gives your gross bi-weekly pay.
⏱ Hourly Pay Conversion
Multiply hourly rate × hours per week × 52 for gross annual pay. Overtime (usually 1.5x for hours over 40/week) adds to your annual gross but is taxed the same as regular pay — withholding may appear higher on OT paychecks.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay? ›
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — your salary or hourly rate × hours worked. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) are subtracted. For most people, net pay is 65–80% of gross pay.
How do I calculate federal income tax on my paycheck? ›
Federal income tax is calculated using the 2026 tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%). Your employer withholds an amount each pay period based on your annualized income and W-4 filing status. The brackets are applied progressively — for a $65,000 salary filing single, you pay 10% on the first $11,925, 12% on income up to $48,475, and 22% on the rest. Your actual effective rate is typically lower than your marginal bracket.
Which states have no income tax in 2026? ›
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (on wages), South Dakota, Tennessee (on wages), Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in one of these states can significantly increase your take-home pay — a $75,000 salary in Texas vs. California means roughly $3,000–$5,000 more per year in take-home pay.
How does a 401(k) contribution affect my paycheck? ›
401(k) contributions are pre-tax — they reduce your taxable income before federal and state taxes are calculated. If you contribute $500/month and you're in the 22% federal bracket + 5% state bracket, you save approximately $135/month in taxes. Your paycheck decreases by less than your contribution amount. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50 or older).
How is overtime pay taxed? ›
Overtime pay is taxed at the same rates as regular pay — there is no special "overtime tax rate." However, because overtime increases your paycheck amount, your employer withholds more federal and state income tax that period (since they annualize your paycheck to estimate your yearly income). You will reconcile any overwithholding when you file your tax return.
How is a bonus taxed? ›
Bonuses are taxed using one of two methods. The flat rate method withholds 22% federal income tax (plus FICA and state tax) on the bonus amount — simple and common. The aggregate method adds your bonus to your most recent paycheck, calculates withholding on the combined amount, then subtracts what was already withheld — more accurate for high earners. Both result in the same annual tax liability.
What is an effective tax rate vs. marginal tax rate? ›
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — your "tax bracket." Your effective rate is your total tax paid divided by your total income. A $75,000 single filer is in the 22% marginal bracket, but pays an effective federal rate of about 13–14% because the lower brackets apply to the first portion of income. TruePayCalc shows you both.