📅 2025-08-13
Understand your paycheck and calculate take-home pay after federal tax, state tax, FICA, and other deductions in the United States.
Gross Pay is your salary before taxes and deductions. Net Pay is what you actually receive after all deductions. In the US, deductions include federal income tax, state income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare), health insurance, and 401k contributions.
2025 progressive tax rates: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%. For single filers: 10% up to $11,600, 12% up to $47,150, etc. Adjust withholding via W-4 form. More dependents increase deductions.
Rates vary by state. Nine states have no state income tax (Texas, Florida, etc.). California has up to 13.3%, New York up to 10.9%. Check your state's tax rate.
Social Security: 6.2% of wages, capped at $160,200. Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, no cap. High earners ($200k+) pay additional 0.9% Medicare tax.
Health insurance, dental, vision, 401k contributions, HSA/FSA, life insurance can be deducted. These are optional and based on your elected amounts.
Understanding your paycheck helps with financial planning. Use online paycheck calculators or consult your HR department for accurate take-home pay estimates.