Salary & Tax Calculator
See exactly how much you're taking home. Break down your gross salary into taxes, deductions, and your final net pay.
*Estimates only. Actual taxes may vary. Consult a tax professional for precise figures.
Wondering how much house you can afford with your net pay?
Mortgage Loan Calculator🏆 Decoding Your Paycheck
Everything you need to know about using this calculator and the math behind it.
How it Works
Strips away estimated income taxes and common deductions from your gross salary to reveal your actual take-home (net) pay.
The Formula
Net Pay = Gross Pay - (Federal Tax + State/Local Tax + FICA + Pre-tax Deductions).
Pro Tip
Review your W-4 withholdings yearly. If you get a massive refund, you're giving the government a free loan. Try to get closer to breaking even.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between gross pay and net pay? +
Gross pay is your total salary before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after federal and state income taxes, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, and other deductions are withheld. For most US workers, net pay is roughly 70–80% of gross pay.
How does the US progressive tax system work? +
The US uses seven federal tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%). You only pay each rate on income within that bracket — not on all your income. For example, if you're in the 22% bracket, only the dollars above the 12% bracket threshold get taxed at 22%. This is why your effective tax rate is always lower than your marginal (bracket) rate.
How can I reduce my taxable income? +
Pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) or traditional IRA reduce your taxable income directly. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a triple tax advantage. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) cover medical and dependent care pre-tax. If you live in a high-tax state and work remotely, relocating to a no-income-tax state can save thousands. Always consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Should I use the standard deduction or itemize? +
In 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 (single) or $29,200 (married filing jointly). If your itemizable deductions — mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state/local taxes (capped at $10K), medical expenses — exceed these amounts, itemizing saves you more. About 87% of taxpayers take the standard deduction because it's simpler and often larger after the 2017 tax law changes.
What is the self-employment tax? +
Self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer portions of FICA taxes — a total of 15.3% on net self-employment income (12.4% Social Security up to $168,600, plus 2.9% Medicare). However, you can deduct half of the self-employment tax from your income tax. Many freelancers also deduct business expenses, home office costs, and health insurance premiums to lower their taxable income.