Paycheck Calculator 2026 (Federal)
For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 (single) or $32,200 (married filing jointly) and Social Security tax stops at $184,500 of wages. See what lands in your account each payday.
How it's calculated
Federal income tax: taxable income = salary − pre-tax 401(k) − standard deduction (2026: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly), then the 2026 brackets apply: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% (single: 12% from $12,400, 22% from $50,400, 24% from $105,700, 32% from $201,775, 35% from $256,225, 37% over $640,600; married filing jointly: double those up to the 35% bracket, which starts at $512,450, and 37% over $768,700). Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare: 1.45% of all wages plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly) — note employers start withholding the 0.9% on wages over $200,000 regardless of filing status. 401(k) deferrals reduce income tax but not Social Security or Medicare.
Not included: state and local income tax, health insurance and other pre-tax benefits, tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit), itemized deductions and the new 2026 deductions for tips, overtime and seniors. Actual withholding follows your W-4 and IRS Publication 15-T, so paychecks can differ slightly from this annual estimate.
Sources: IRS – 2026 brackets & standard deduction · SSA – 2026 wage base · IRS – Additional Medicare Tax
Questions & answers
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For tax year 2026 the IRS set it at $16,100 for single filers and married filing separately, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for heads of household.
What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?
The Social Security Administration set the 2026 contribution and benefit base at $184,500. The 6.2% employee Social Security tax applies to wages up to that amount; Medicare tax has no cap.
Does this include state income tax?
No. This estimator covers federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare only. Most states also tax wages, which lowers take-home pay further; nine states have no broad wage income tax.
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