Washington State Paycheck Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your net pay per pay period in Washington State. It accounts for federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and the Washington Cares Fund, along with any pre-tax and post-tax deductions you enter.
Bi-weekly (26x per year)
Weekly (52x per year)
Semi-monthly (24x per year)
Monthly (12x per year)
Single
Married Filing Jointly
e.g., 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums
e.g., Roth 401(k), union dues, garnishments
Your Estimated Paycheck:
Enter your details and click "Calculate Net Pay".
Understanding Your Washington State Paycheck
Navigating your paycheck can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code. This guide will help you understand the various deductions and calculations that determine your take-home pay in Washington State.
No State Income Tax in Washington
One of the most significant advantages of working in Washington State is the absence of a state income tax. This means a larger portion of your gross earnings goes directly into your pocket compared to states with income tax. However, other mandatory deductions still apply.
Key Paycheck Deductions Explained:
1. Federal Income Tax (FIT)
Federal income tax is withheld from your wages by your employer and sent to the IRS. The amount withheld depends on several factors:
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions.
- Pay Frequency: How often you get paid (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly).
- Filing Status: Whether you file as Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.
- Number of Allowances: The number of allowances you claim on your W-4 form. Each allowance reduces the amount of income subject to federal tax withholding.
- Pre-tax Deductions: Certain deductions, like contributions to a traditional 401(k) or health insurance premiums, reduce your taxable income for federal income tax purposes.
The calculator uses a simplified method based on IRS guidelines to estimate your federal tax withholding.
2. FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. These are mandatory federal taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare programs.
- Social Security: This tax funds benefits for retirees, the disabled, and survivors. The current rate is 6.2% of your gross wages, up to an annual wage base limit (e.g., $168,600 for 2024). Once you earn above this limit in a calendar year, Social Security tax is no longer withheld.
- Medicare: This tax funds health insurance for individuals aged 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities. The current rate is 1.45% of all your gross wages, with no wage base limit. An additional Medicare tax of 0.9% applies to wages exceeding certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly). Our calculator includes the standard 1.45% but does not account for the additional Medicare tax for simplicity.
Combined, FICA taxes typically amount to 7.65% of your gross pay (up to the Social Security wage base limit).
3. Washington Cares Fund (Long-Term Care)
The Washington Cares Fund is a state-mandated long-term care insurance program. As of July 1, 2023, most W-2 employees in Washington State contribute to this fund. The current contribution rate is 0.58% of your gross wages, with no wage cap. This deduction is mandatory unless you obtained an approved exemption from the Employment Security Department prior to the program's implementation.
4. Pre-tax Deductions
These are deductions taken from your gross pay before federal income tax and sometimes FICA taxes are calculated. Common examples include:
- Traditional 401(k) or 403(b) contributions: Money you contribute to a retirement plan.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums: Your share of the cost for employer-sponsored health plans.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Funds set aside for healthcare expenses.
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income, which can lower your overall tax liability.
5. Post-tax Deductions
These deductions are taken from your pay after all applicable taxes (federal, FICA, WA Cares) have been calculated and withheld. Examples include:
- Roth 401(k) contributions: Retirement contributions that are taxed now but are tax-free in retirement.
- Union dues: Fees paid to a labor union.
- Garnishments: Court-ordered deductions for debts.
- Charitable contributions: Deductions for donations made directly from your paycheck.
How the Calculator Works
Our calculator takes your gross pay and pay frequency to determine your annual income. It then applies the relevant federal tax brackets, FICA rates, and the Washington Cares Fund rate. Finally, it subtracts your specified pre-tax and post-tax deductions to give you an estimated net pay per pay period.
Remember, this calculator provides an estimate. Your actual paycheck may vary slightly due to specific employer payroll systems, additional local taxes (if applicable, though rare in WA), or other unique deductions.