Estimates only. Tax calculations are approximations for planning purposes. Not financial or tax advice — consult a CPA for accurate filing guidance.
US Income & Tax Calculator: How It Works
This free calculator estimates your take-home pay after 2026 federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) deductions. It supports both single filers and married filing jointly, covers all 50 US states plus Washington DC, and lets you enter monthly living expenses to see whether your income covers your cost of living.
How the tax calculation works
The calculator first applies the 2026 standard deduction ($15,000 single, $30,000 married filing jointly) to your gross income to arrive at taxable income. It then applies the 2026 federal income tax brackets progressively — you pay 10% on the first portion, 12% on the next, 22% on the next, and so on, only reaching higher rates on the income in those brackets. State income tax is calculated separately using each state's 2026 rates. FICA is calculated per earner: 6.2% Social Security on wages up to $176,100, plus 1.45% Medicare on all wages with no cap.
Common questions
How much federal income tax do I pay on a $75,000 salary in 2026?
Filing as single on a $75,000 salary, after the $15,000 standard deduction your taxable income is $60,000. You would owe approximately $8,798 in federal income tax. Your effective federal rate is about 11.7%, even though your marginal bracket is 22%.
What states have no income tax in 2026?
Nine states have no broad individual income tax: Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, and New Hampshire. Moving from a high-tax state like California (up to 13.3%) to Texas can add thousands to your annual take-home pay at the same salary.
What is FICA and how is it calculated?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to $176,100 (the 2026 wage base) and 1.45% Medicare tax on all wages. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surcharge above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). Your employer matches your Social Security and Medicare contributions dollar-for-dollar.
What is the difference between effective and marginal tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your top dollar of income — the highest bracket you reach. Your effective rate is total tax divided by total income, and is always lower because only the income in each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Understanding effective rate gives you a more accurate picture of your actual tax burden.
How accurate are these estimates?
This calculator uses the official 2026 IRS tax brackets and standard deductions for federal tax, and simplified approximations for state income tax. It does not account for itemised deductions, tax credits, investment income, capital gains, or self-employment tax. Results are estimates for financial planning purposes. For accurate tax filing, consult a CPA or use official IRS resources.