How it works
This is a simplified US paycheck estimator. It uses the 2025 federal income tax brackets for a single filer with the standard deduction, applies FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45% = 7.65%), and your state rate as a flat percentage.
What's simplified
- State tax is entered as one flat % — real state taxes are often progressive, with exemptions.
- No dependents, credits (EITC, child tax credit), or retirement contributions beyond your pre-tax entry.
- Medicare additional 0.9% for high earners ($200k+) not included.
- Pre-tax deductions lower your taxable income — that's why they're deducted before tax is calculated.
Why the standard deduction matters
Your first ~$15,750 of income (single, 2025) isn't taxed at all — so a $60k salary pays federal tax on about $44,250. Many online paycheck tools ignore this and overestimate your tax; this one applies it correctly.
For exact numbers use your W-4, pay stubs, or a professional — this is a planning estimate.
2025 basis: Social Security wages are capped at $176,100. Medicare has no cap; wages over $200,000 incur another 0.9%. Traditional 401k deductions do not reduce FICA wages. Results are annual averages; actual paychecks vary with year-to-date wages. IRS Pub. 501 · IRS payroll taxes