How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your gross annual income: Input total pre-tax salary, wages, and taxable compensation.
- Select your filing status: Choose Single or Married Filing Jointly to apply the appropriate standard deduction and bracket thresholds.
- Review your breakdown: Inspect federal income tax, mandatory FICA withholdings, and your net take-home salary.
Formula and Calculation Steps
Taxable Income = Max(0, Gross Income − Standard Deduction)
Total Federal Tax = Σ (Taxable Income in Bracket × Bracket Rate)
FICA Tax = Min(Gross, Cap) × 6.2% + Gross × 1.45%
Net Take-Home = Gross Income − (Federal Tax + FICA)Worked Examples and Reference Table
| Gross Income (Single) | Standard Deduction | Federal Tax | Effective Rate | Net Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $15,000 | $3,962 | 15.5% | $42,213 |
| $75,000 | $15,000 | $8,314 | 18.7% | $60,948 |
| $100,000 | $15,000 | $13,814 | 21.5% | $78,536 |
| $150,000 | $15,000 | $25,372 | 24.7% | $113,153 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do progressive tax brackets work?
In a progressive tax system, your income is taxed in chunks or "brackets". Only the portion of your income that falls into each bracket is taxed at that bracket rate, not your entire income.
What is the standard deduction?
The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces your adjusted gross income before federal income tax is calculated. For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married couples filing jointly.
What is FICA tax?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on earnings up to $176,100) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all earnings) for wage earners.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate paid on your last dollar of income. Your effective tax rate is the actual percentage of your total gross income paid in taxes (Total Tax ÷ Gross Income).
Does this calculator include state income taxes?
This tool models federal income tax and standard FICA payroll deductions. State and local taxes vary by jurisdiction and are not included in this federal baseline.