Maryland Paycheck Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your net pay per pay period in Maryland, taking into account federal, state, and local taxes, as well as common deductions.
Estimated Paycheck Summary
Enter your details and click "Calculate Paycheck" to see your estimated net pay.
function calculatePaycheck() {
// Get input values
var grossPayPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossPayPerPeriod").value);
var payPeriodsPerYear = parseFloat(document.getElementById("payFrequency").value);
var federalFilingStatus = document.getElementById("federalFilingStatus").value;
var federalAllowances = parseFloat(document.getElementById("federalAllowances").value);
var mdFilingStatus = document.getElementById("mdFilingStatus").value;
var mdAllowances = parseFloat(document.getElementById("mdAllowances").value);
var mdLocalTaxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById("mdLocalTaxRate").value) / 100; // Convert to decimal
var preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById("preTaxDeductions").value);
var postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = parseFloat(document.getElementById("postTaxDeductions").value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(grossPayPerPeriod) || grossPayPerPeriod < 0) grossPayPerPeriod = 0;
if (isNaN(federalAllowances) || federalAllowances < 0) federalAllowances = 0;
if (isNaN(mdAllowances) || mdAllowances < 0) mdAllowances = 0;
if (isNaN(mdLocalTaxRate) || mdLocalTaxRate < 0) mdLocalTaxRate = 0;
if (isNaN(preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod) || preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod < 0) preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = 0;
if (isNaN(postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod) || postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod < 0) postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod = 0;
// Annualize values
var annualGrossPay = grossPayPerPeriod * payPeriodsPerYear;
var annualPreTaxDeductions = preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod * payPeriodsPerYear;
var annualPostTaxDeductions = postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod * payPeriodsPerYear;
// — FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare) —
// Social Security: 6.2% up to annual limit ($168,600 for 2024)
// Medicare: 1.45% (no limit)
// Note: For simplicity, FICA is calculated on gross pay before pre-tax deductions,
// as 401k contributions are not FICA-exempt. Some pre-tax deductions (like health insurance) are FICA-exempt.
// This calculator assumes FICA is applied to the full gross pay for simplicity.
var socialSecurityLimit = 168600; // 2024 limit
var socialSecurityTax = Math.min(annualGrossPay, socialSecurityLimit) * 0.062;
var medicareTax = annualGrossPay * 0.0145;
var totalFicaTax = socialSecurityTax + medicareTax;
// — Federal Income Tax (Simplified) —
var federalStandardDeduction;
var federalAllowanceValue = 4700; // Illustrative value per allowance for calculation
var federalTaxBrackets;
if (federalFilingStatus === "single") {
federalStandardDeduction = 14600; // 2024 Single Standard Deduction
federalTaxBrackets = [
{ 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 { // Married Filing Jointly
federalStandardDeduction = 29200; // 2024 MFJ Standard Deduction
federalTaxBrackets = [
{ 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 }
];
}
var federalTaxableIncome = annualGrossPay – annualPreTaxDeductions – (federalAllowances * federalAllowanceValue);
federalTaxableIncome = Math.max(0, federalTaxableIncome – federalStandardDeduction);
var federalIncomeTax = calculateTax(federalTaxableIncome, federalTaxBrackets);
// — Maryland State Income Tax (Simplified) —
var mdStandardDeduction = 2500; // Simplified fixed MD standard deduction
var mdAllowanceValue = 3200; // Illustrative value per MD allowance
var mdStateTaxBrackets = [
{ limit: 1000, rate: 0.02 },
{ limit: 2000, rate: 0.03 },
{ limit: 3000, rate: 0.04 },
{ limit: 100000, rate: 0.0475 },
{ limit: 125000, rate: 0.05 },
{ limit: 150000, rate: 0.0525 },
{ limit: 250000, rate: 0.055 },
{ limit: Infinity, rate: 0.0575 } // Top MD rate
];
var mdTaxableIncome = annualGrossPay – annualPreTaxDeductions – (mdAllowances * mdAllowanceValue);
mdTaxableIncome = Math.max(0, mdTaxableIncome – mdStandardDeduction);
var mdStateTax = calculateTax(mdTaxableIncome, mdStateTaxBrackets);
// — Maryland Local Income Tax —
var mdLocalTax = mdTaxableIncome * mdLocalTaxRate;
// — Total Deductions and Net Pay —
var totalAnnualTaxes = totalFicaTax + federalIncomeTax + mdStateTax + mdLocalTax;
var totalAnnualDeductions = annualPreTaxDeductions + annualPostTaxDeductions;
var totalAnnualWithholding = totalAnnualTaxes + totalAnnualDeductions;
var annualNetPay = annualGrossPay – totalAnnualWithholding;
var netPayPerPeriod = annualNetPay / payPeriodsPerYear;
// Display results
var resultsHtml = "
";
resultsHtml += "| Annual Gross Pay: | $" + annualGrossPay.toFixed(2) + " |
";
resultsHtml += "| Gross Pay per Period: | $" + grossPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2) + " |
";
resultsHtml += "| Deductions & Taxes: |
";
resultsHtml += "| Federal Income Tax: | $" + (federalIncomeTax / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + federalIncomeTax.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Social Security Tax: | $" + (socialSecurityTax / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + socialSecurityTax.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Medicare Tax: | $" + (medicareTax / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + medicareTax.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Maryland State Tax: | $" + (mdStateTax / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + mdStateTax.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Maryland Local Tax: | $" + (mdLocalTax / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + mdLocalTax.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Pre-tax Deductions: | $" + preTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + annualPreTaxDeductions.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Post-tax Deductions: | $" + postTaxDeductionsPerPeriod.toFixed(2) + " (Annual: $" + annualPostTaxDeductions.toFixed(2) + ") |
";
resultsHtml += "| Total Withholding per Period: | $" + (totalAnnualWithholding / payPeriodsPerYear).toFixed(2) + " |
";
resultsHtml += "| Net Pay per Period: | $" + netPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2) + " |
";
resultsHtml += "| Annual Net Pay: | $" + annualNetPay.toFixed(2) + " |
";
resultsHtml += "
";
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = resultsHtml;
}
// Helper function to calculate tax based on progressive brackets
function calculateTax(taxableIncome, brackets) {
var tax = 0;
var prevLimit = 0;
for (var i = 0; i prevLimit) {
var incomeInBracket = Math.min(taxableIncome, bracket.limit) – prevLimit;
tax += incomeInBracket * bracket.rate;
}
prevLimit = bracket.limit;
if (taxableIncome <= bracket.limit) {
break;
}
}
return tax;
}
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.calculator-results table tr:nth-child(8) td, /* Total Withholding */
.calculator-results table tr:nth-child(9) td, /* Net Pay per Period */
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Understanding Your Maryland Paycheck: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the complexities of your paycheck can be challenging, especially with varying federal, state, and local taxes. For residents of Maryland, understanding how gross pay translates into net pay involves several key deductions. Our Maryland Paycheck Calculator is designed to help you estimate your take-home pay, providing clarity on where your money goes.
What is a Paycheck Calculator?
A paycheck calculator is a tool that estimates your net pay (take-home pay) by subtracting various taxes and deductions from your gross pay. It's an essential resource for budgeting, financial planning, and understanding the impact of different deductions on your earnings.
Key Components of a Maryland Paycheck
Your Maryland paycheck is typically broken down into several parts:
1. Gross Pay
This is your total earnings before any taxes or deductions are withheld. It includes your regular wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, and any other forms of compensation.
2. Pre-tax Deductions
These are amounts subtracted from your gross pay before taxes are calculated. Because they reduce your taxable income, they can lower your overall tax liability. Common pre-tax deductions include:
- 401(k) or 403(b) Contributions: Retirement plan contributions.
- Health Insurance Premiums: Payments for employer-sponsored health, dental, or vision plans.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Funds set aside for healthcare expenses.
3. Federal Taxes
These are mandatory withholdings that go to the U.S. government:
- Federal Income Tax: This is based on your gross pay, filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.), and the information you provide on your W-4 form (such as dependents and other adjustments). The U.S. uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.
- Social Security Tax (FICA): This funds retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Employees pay 6.2% of their earnings up to an annual wage base limit (e.g., $168,600 for 2024).
- Medicare Tax (FICA): This funds hospital insurance for the elderly and disabled. Employees pay 1.45% of all earnings, with no wage base limit. An additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies to high-income earners.
4. Maryland State Income Tax
Maryland has its own state income tax, which is also progressive. The rates vary based on your taxable income and filing status. Similar to federal taxes, your Maryland allowances (claimed on Form MW507) influence how much state tax is withheld from each paycheck.
5. Maryland Local Income Tax (County/City Tax)
Unique to Maryland, most counties and Baltimore City levy a local income tax. This tax is a percentage of your Maryland taxable income and is collected by the state, then distributed to the local jurisdictions. Rates vary significantly by county, ranging from 2.25% to 3.20%. It's crucial to know your specific county's rate to accurately estimate your net pay.
6. Post-tax Deductions
These are deductions taken from your pay after all applicable taxes have been calculated and withheld. They do not reduce your taxable income. Examples include:
- Roth 401(k) Contributions: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
- Union Dues: Fees paid to a labor union.
- Garnishments: Court-ordered withholdings for debts like child support or student loans.
- Charitable Contributions: If deducted directly from your paycheck.
7. Net Pay
This is the amount you actually take home after all federal, state, and local taxes, as well as all pre-tax and post-tax deductions, have been subtracted from your gross pay.
How to Use the Maryland Paycheck Calculator
Our calculator simplifies the process:
- Enter Gross Pay per Pay Period: Input your total earnings for one pay cycle.
- Select Pay Frequency: Choose how often you get paid (e.g., bi-weekly, weekly, monthly).
- Provide Federal Withholding Information: Select your federal filing status and the number of dependents/allowances you claim on your W-4.
- Provide Maryland State Withholding Information: Select your Maryland filing status and the number of allowances you claim on your MW507.
- Enter Maryland Local Tax Rate: Find the specific local income tax rate for your county or Baltimore City and enter it as a percentage.
- Input Deductions: Enter any pre-tax (e.g., 401k, health insurance) and post-tax (e.g., Roth 401k, union dues) deductions per pay period.
- Click "Calculate Paycheck": The calculator will instantly display a detailed breakdown of your estimated net pay, including all taxes and deductions.
Important Considerations
- W-4 Form: The information you provide on your W-4 form directly impacts your federal income tax withholding. Review it periodically, especially after major life events (marriage, birth of a child, new job).
- MW507 Form: Similarly, your Maryland Form MW507 determines your state income tax withholding.
- Tax Law Changes: Tax laws at federal, state, and local levels can change annually. Our calculator uses current (illustrative 2024) tax rates and limits, but always verify with official sources for the most up-to-date information.
- Accuracy: This calculator provides an estimate. Your actual paycheck may vary slightly due to specific employer benefits, additional withholdings, or unique tax situations.
By using this Maryland Paycheck Calculator, you can gain a clearer understanding of your earnings and make more informed financial decisions.