Estimate Your Federal Tax and Take-Home Pay
Enter annual W-2 wages and common pre-tax deductions for a quick estimate of 2026 federal income tax, employee Social Security and Medicare taxes, and take-home pay.
Your details
W-2 wages before taxes and payroll deductions.
Annual traditional 401(k), 403(b), or similar employee contributions.
Annual payroll contributions assumed exempt from federal income and FICA taxes.
Health premiums or other deductions assumed exempt from federal income and FICA taxes.
Optional nonrefundable credits; capped at estimated federal income tax.
How the 2026 Tax Calculator Works
The calculator subtracts eligible pre-tax deductions from gross wages, applies the standard deduction for your filing status, and taxes the remaining ordinary taxable income in layers. It then estimates employee payroll taxes and subtracts all entered deductions and estimated taxes from gross pay.
Federal tax brackets apply to taxable income, not your entire salary. Entering a higher bracket generally causes only the dollars inside that bracket to face the higher rate. Read our guide to marginal vs. effective tax rates for a fuller explanation.
2026 Standard Deduction Used
| Filing status | Standard deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
Important Assumptions and Limits
This is a planning estimate for a W-2 employee using the standard deduction. It does not calculate state or local income tax, itemized deductions, self-employment tax, capital-gains rates, refundable credits, Alternative Minimum Tax, qualified business income, tax on Social Security benefits, special senior deductions, or every credit and phaseout. Retirement contributions are treated as reducing federal taxable wages but not FICA wages; HSA/FSA and other pre-tax payroll deductions are assumed to reduce both.
For withholding decisions, use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator. For the official 2026 figures, see the IRS 2026 tax inflation adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator include state income tax?
No. State and local tax systems vary widely, so this version estimates federal income and employee payroll taxes only.
Is this the same as my paycheck withholding?
No. Withholding depends on Form W-4 elections, payroll methods, multiple jobs, bonuses, and other details. This estimates annual tax liability under simplified assumptions.
Why is my marginal rate higher than my effective rate?
The marginal rate applies to the highest layer of taxable ordinary income reached. The effective rate averages estimated tax across gross wages, so it is usually lower.
Does the calculator store my salary?
No. The calculation runs locally in your browser. The form does not submit or save the values you enter.
Can a self-employed person use this result?
Not reliably. Self-employed taxpayers face different Social Security and Medicare calculations and may have business deductions and estimated-payment requirements.
Educational estimate only. This calculator is not tax, legal, accounting, payroll, or financial advice and is not a tax return or guaranteed withholding result. Tax law and personal circumstances can change. Verify current IRS guidance and consult a qualified professional for decisions that materially affect your finances.