Use this calculator to estimate your net take-home pay in Texas, considering federal income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and any pre-tax or post-tax deductions. Texas does not have a state income tax, which simplifies calculations compared to many other states.
Bi-Weekly (26 pay periods)
Semi-Monthly (24 pay periods)
Weekly (52 pay periods)
Monthly (12 pay periods)
Annually (1 pay period)
Single
Married Filing Jointly
Head of Household
Understanding Your Texas Paycheck
Navigating your paycheck can sometimes feel complex, but understanding the components is key to managing your finances. In Texas, the process is somewhat simpler than in many other states because there is no state income tax. This means a larger portion of your gross pay goes directly to federal taxes and FICA, or into your pocket.
Key Components of Your Paycheck:
Gross Pay: This is your total earnings before any deductions. It's the amount your employer pays you for your work during a specific pay period.
Pre-Tax Deductions: These are amounts taken out of your gross pay before taxes are calculated. Common examples include contributions to a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, health insurance premiums, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions. These deductions reduce your taxable income, meaning you pay less in federal income tax.
Taxable Gross: This is your gross pay minus any pre-tax deductions. Federal income tax is calculated based on this amount.
FICA Taxes (Federal Insurance Contributions Act): These are mandatory federal taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare.
Social Security: Funds benefits for retirees, the disabled, and survivors. The tax rate is 6.2% on earnings up to an annual wage base limit (e.g., $168,600 for 2024).
Medicare: Funds health care for the elderly and disabled. The tax rate is 1.45% on all earnings, with an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on earnings above certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly).
Federal Income Tax: This is the tax you pay to the U.S. government based on your taxable income, filing status, and the number of dependents you claim. The U.S. uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. Standard deductions and tax credits (like the Child Tax Credit) can significantly reduce your federal tax liability.
Texas State Income Tax:Zero! This is a major advantage for Texas residents. Unlike most states, Texas does not levy a state income tax on wages.
Post-Tax Deductions: These are amounts taken out of your pay after all taxes have been calculated and withheld. Examples include Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, charitable contributions, or garnishments.
Net Pay (Take-Home Pay): This is the amount you actually receive after all taxes and deductions have been withheld from your gross pay. It's the money that lands in your bank account or is issued as a physical check.
How the Calculator Works
Our Texas Paycheck Calculator takes your gross pay, pay frequency, federal filing status, and any deductions to estimate your net pay. It applies the current federal tax brackets, standard deductions, FICA rates, and accounts for the absence of state income tax in Texas. The calculator also considers the Child Tax Credit for qualifying dependents, which can reduce your federal tax burden.
Important Considerations:
Estimates Only: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual withholdings can vary based on specific payroll system calculations, additional deductions not included here, or changes in tax laws.
Tax Law Changes: Tax laws, brackets, and deduction limits can change annually. This calculator uses 2024 tax information.
Other Deductions: Your actual paycheck may include other deductions not covered by this calculator, such as disability insurance, life insurance, or specific company benefits.
Additional Medicare Tax: The calculator includes the additional 0.9% Medicare tax for high earners.
Understanding these components empowers you to better plan your budget and financial future. Always consult with a financial advisor or tax professional for personalized advice.
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function calculatePaycheck() {
var grossPay = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossPay").value);
var payFrequency = document.getElementById("payFrequency").value;
var filingStatus = document.getElementById("filingStatus").value;
var dependents = parseInt(document.getElementById("dependents").value);
var preTaxDeductions = parseFloat(document.getElementById("preTaxDeductions").value);
var postTaxDeductions = parseFloat(document.getElementById("postTaxDeductions").value);
// Input validation
if (isNaN(grossPay) || grossPay < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Gross Pay per Pay Period.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(dependents) || dependents < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of dependents.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(preTaxDeductions) || preTaxDeductions < 0) {
alert("Please enter valid Pre-Tax Deductions.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(postTaxDeductions) || postTaxDeductions annualGrossPay) {
annualPreTaxDeductions = annualGrossPay;
}
var annualTaxableGross = annualGrossPay – annualPreTaxDeductions;
// — FICA Taxes (2024 Rates) —
var socialSecurityLimit = 168600; // 2024 Social Security wage base limit
var socialSecurityRate = 0.062;
var medicareRate = 0.0145;
var additionalMedicareRate = 0.009;
var annualSocialSecurityTax = Math.min(annualGrossPay, socialSecurityLimit) * socialSecurityRate;
var annualMedicareTax = annualGrossPay * medicareRate;
// Additional Medicare Tax
var additionalMedicareThreshold;
if (filingStatus === "single" || filingStatus === "head-of-household") {
additionalMedicareThreshold = 200000;
} else if (filingStatus === "married-jointly") {
additionalMedicareThreshold = 250000;
}
if (annualGrossPay > additionalMedicareThreshold) {
annualMedicareTax += (annualGrossPay – additionalMedicareThreshold) * additionalMedicareRate;
}
// — Federal Income Tax (2024 Rates) —
var standardDeduction;
var taxBrackets;
if (filingStatus === "single") {
standardDeduction = 14600;
taxBrackets = [
{ limit: 11600, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 47150, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 100525, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 191950, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 243725, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 609350, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
} else if (filingStatus === "married-jointly") {
standardDeduction = 29200;
taxBrackets = [
{ limit: 23200, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 94300, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 201050, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 383900, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 487450, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 731200, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
} else if (filingStatus === "head-of-household") {
standardDeduction = 21900;
taxBrackets = [
{ limit: 16550, rate: 0.10 },
{ limit: 63100, rate: 0.12 },
{ limit: 100500, rate: 0.22 },
{ limit: 191950, rate: 0.24 },
{ limit: 243700, rate: 0.32 },
{ limit: 609350, rate: 0.35 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.37 }
];
}
var taxableIncomeForFederal = Math.max(0, annualTaxableGross – standardDeduction);
var annualFederalIncomeTax = 0;
var previousLimit = 0;
for (var i = 0; i previousLimit) {
var incomeInBracket = Math.min(taxableIncomeForFederal, bracket.limit) – previousLimit;
annualFederalIncomeTax += incomeInBracket * bracket.rate;
}
previousLimit = bracket.limit;
if (taxableIncomeForFederal 0) {
var ctcPhaseOutThresholdSingleHoH = 200000;
var ctcPhaseOutThresholdMFJ = 400000;
var agiForCTC = annualGrossPay; // Using gross pay as a proxy for AGI for simplicity
if ((filingStatus === "single" || filingStatus === "head-of-household") && agiForCTC <= ctcPhaseOutThresholdSingleHoH) {
childTaxCredit = dependents * 2000;
} else if (filingStatus === "married-jointly" && agiForCTC <= ctcPhaseOutThresholdMFJ) {
childTaxCredit = dependents * 2000;
}
// Note: Actual CTC phase-out is more complex (reduces by $50 for each $1,000 over threshold)
// For this calculator, we'll just apply it if below the threshold.
}
annualFederalIncomeTax = Math.max(0, annualFederalIncomeTax – childTaxCredit);
// — Per Pay Period Calculations —
var perPeriodSocialSecurityTax = annualSocialSecurityTax / payPeriodsPerYear;
var perPeriodMedicareTax = annualMedicareTax / payPeriodsPerYear;
var perPeriodFederalIncomeTax = annualFederalIncomeTax / payPeriodsPerYear;
var totalDeductions = perPeriodSocialSecurityTax + perPeriodMedicareTax + perPeriodFederalIncomeTax + preTaxDeductions + postTaxDeductions;
var netPay = grossPay – totalDeductions;
// Display Results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = `
Estimated Paycheck Details
Gross Pay per Period: $${grossPay.toFixed(2)}
Pre-Tax Deductions: $${preTaxDeductions.toFixed(2)}
Taxable Gross (for Federal Income Tax): $${(grossPay – preTaxDeductions).toFixed(2)}
Social Security Tax: $${perPeriodSocialSecurityTax.toFixed(2)}
Medicare Tax: $${perPeriodMedicareTax.toFixed(2)}
Federal Income Tax: $${perPeriodFederalIncomeTax.toFixed(2)}
Texas State Income Tax: $0.00 (Texas has no state income tax)
Post-Tax Deductions: $${postTaxDeductions.toFixed(2)}
Total Deductions: $${totalDeductions.toFixed(2)}
Net Pay per Period:$${netPay.toFixed(2)}
`;
}
// Run calculation on page load with default values
window.onload = calculatePaycheck;