Federal Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Use our free federal tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare (FICA) are deducted. This tool is perfect for understanding your baseline tax burden, especially if you live in a state with no income tax like Texas or Florida.
Your Estimated Federal Paycheck
How the Federal Paycheck Calculator Works
This tool calculates your net pay by subtracting all mandatory federal taxes from your gross income. It does not account for state or local taxes.
- Federal Income Tax: We estimate your federal income tax withholding based on the 2026 tax brackets, your filing status, and the standard deduction.
- Social Security Tax: A flat 6.2% tax on your income up to the annual limit of $168,600 (for 2024/25).
- Medicare Tax: A flat 1.45% tax on all of your earned income.
- Additional Medicare Tax: An extra 0.9% tax on income over $200,000 for single filers ($250,000 for married couples).
Federal Income Tax Brackets (2026)
The United States uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher portions of your income are taxed at higher rates. Below are the estimated brackets for a Single filer in 2026.
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income (Single Filer) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $11,600 |
| 12% | $11,601 to $47,150 |
| 22% | $47,151 to $100,525 |
| 24% | $100,526 to $191,950 |
| 32% | $191,951 to $243,725 |
| 35% | $243,726 to $609,350 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much federal tax is taken out of a paycheck?
The amount of federal income tax depends on your income, filing status, and W-4 information. Our calculator uses the standard deduction and tax brackets to estimate this amount. FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) are a flat 7.65% combined for most earners.
Does this calculator include state taxes?
No, this tool is designed to show only federal tax deductions. For a complete picture of your take-home pay, including state and local taxes, please use our main US Paycheck Calculator and select your state.
What is the difference between federal tax and FICA?
Federal income tax is a progressive tax that funds a wide range of government services. FICA is a separate, flat-rate payroll tax that specifically funds the Social Security and Medicare programs.