Does this replace IRS/state withholding tables?

No. This is a flat-rate estimate. Actual payroll uses tables, caps, and adjustments.

Not modeled. Add local tax into the state rate if you want an approximation.

Not modeled. If over the Social Security wage base, reduce the FICA rate accordingly.

Not included. Add it to the FICA rate if applicable for high earners.

Enter them in pre-tax deductions; this calculator subtracts them before applying rates.

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Paycheck Tax Withholding Calculator

Estimate paycheck net by applying federal, state, and FICA withholding to gross pay minus pre-tax deductions.

Results

Taxable wages: $3,000
Federal withholding: $360
State withholding: $150
FICA withholding: $230
Total withholding: $740
Estimated net pay: $2,261

How to use this calculator

Enter gross pay and any pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, etc.).
Enter federal, state, and FICA withholding rates.
See taxable wages, each withholding, and estimated net pay.

Inputs explained

Gross pay: Pay before deductions or taxes.
Pre-tax deductions: 401(k), HSA, commuter, or other pre-tax amounts.
Federal withholding: Effective rate for this paycheck; simplifies the W-4 tables.
State withholding: State rate; enter 0 if none.
FICA: Social Security + Medicare combined; typically 7.65% until wage caps.

How it works

Taxable wages = gross pay − pre-tax deductions.

Withholding = taxable wages × each rate. Net = gross − pre-tax − total withholding.

Formula

Taxable wages = Gross − Pre-tax
Federal = Taxable × Federal rate
State = Taxable × State rate
FICA = Taxable × FICA rate
Net = Gross − Pre-tax − (Federal + State + FICA)

When to use it

Estimating take-home pay for budgeting.
Checking how pre-tax contributions change net pay.
Comparing state withholding impacts when relocating.

Tips & cautions

This uses flat rates; actual payroll uses withholding tables and caps—treat as a quick estimate.
If over the Social Security wage base, reduce the FICA rate accordingly for that portion.
Include local taxes by adding them into the state rate if you want a closer estimate.
Simplified withholding; does not use IRS/state tables or account for allowances/credits.
Does not model local taxes, wage base caps, or benefit contributions beyond pre-tax input.
FICA caps and Medicare surtax are not modeled; adjust rates if caps/surtax apply.

Worked examples

$3,000 gross, $0 pre-tax, 12% fed, 5% state, 7.65% FICA

Taxable = $3,000
Federal = $360; State = $150; FICA ≈ $229.50
Total withholding ≈ $739.50; Net ≈ $2,260.50

$4,500 gross, $400 pre-tax, 12% fed, 0% state, 7.65% FICA

Taxable = $4,100
Federal = $492; State = $0; FICA ≈ $313.65
Total withholding ≈ $805.65; Net ≈ $3,294.35

Deep dive

This paycheck tax withholding calculator estimates taxable wages, federal/state/FICA withholding, and net pay from your gross and pre-tax deductions.

Use it for fast take-home estimates and to see how pre-tax contributions affect your paycheck.

FAQs

Does this replace IRS/state withholding tables?: No. This is a flat-rate estimate. Actual payroll uses tables, caps, and adjustments.
Local taxes?: Not modeled. Add local tax into the state rate if you want an approximation.
FICA caps?: Not modeled. If over the Social Security wage base, reduce the FICA rate accordingly.
Medicare surtax?: Not included. Add it to the FICA rate if applicable for high earners.
Pretax benefits?: Enter them in pre-tax deductions; this calculator subtracts them before applying rates.

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