MyCalculatorHow this is calculated
Taxable income is your gross salary minus the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household). Federal tax is calculated progressively across the seven 2026 brackets (10%–37%) per IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single/HoH) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Worked example
A single filer earning $75,000: taxable income is $58,900 ($75,000 − $16,100). Federal tax is $7,670. Social Security is $4,650 (6.2% of $75,000). Medicare is $1,087.50 (1.45% of $75,000). Estimated federal take-home: $61,592.50 — before any state tax.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses the standard deduction only — does not model itemized deductions, retirement contributions, or pre-tax benefits, which would lower taxable income further.
- State and local income tax are not included. These vary enormously — from 0% in states like Texas and Florida to over 10% in others.
- Does not model tax credits (Child Tax Credit, EITC, etc.), which would reduce actual tax owed.
- Assumes W-2 employee wages, not self-employment income (which has different FICA treatment).
Sources
IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions); SSA.gov (2026 Social Security wage base); IRS Publication 926 (2026 FICA rates). See our sources page.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include state income tax?
No. State income tax varies by state — some states have none. This calculator covers federal tax and FICA only.
What if I itemize deductions instead of using the standard deduction?
This calculator assumes the standard deduction. If your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction, your actual tax will be lower than shown here.
Why is there an "additional Medicare tax"?
An extra 0.9% Medicare tax applies to wages above $200,000 (or $250,000 for married filing jointly), a provision that has been in place since 2013 and is unchanged for 2026.