Estimate your net pay after common deductions. This calculator provides a simplified estimate and should not be considered tax advice.
Weekly
Bi-Weekly
Semi-Monthly
Monthly
function calculateTakeHomePay() {
var grossAnnualSalary = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossAnnualSalary').value);
var payFrequency = parseFloat(document.getElementById('payFrequency').value);
var federalTaxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('federalTaxRate').value) / 100;
var stateTaxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stateTaxRate').value) / 100;
var localTaxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('localTaxRate').value) / 100;
var preTax401k = parseFloat(document.getElementById('preTax401k').value) / 100;
var preTaxHealth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('preTaxHealth').value);
// Fixed tax rates for Social Security and Medicare
var socialSecurityRate = 0.062; // 6.2%
var medicareRate = 0.0145; // 1.45%
var socialSecurityWageBase = 168600; // 2024 limit
if (isNaN(grossAnnualSalary) || isNaN(payFrequency) || isNaN(federalTaxRate) || isNaN(stateTaxRate) || isNaN(localTaxRate) || isNaN(preTax401k) || isNaN(preTaxHealth) ||
grossAnnualSalary < 0 || federalTaxRate < 0 || stateTaxRate < 0 || localTaxRate < 0 || preTax401k < 0 || preTaxHealth < 0) {
document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.';
return;
}
var grossPayPerPeriod = grossAnnualSalary / payFrequency;
// Calculate pre-tax deductions
var preTax401kAmount = grossPayPerPeriod * preTax401k;
var totalPreTaxDeductions = preTax401kAmount + preTaxHealth;
// Taxable gross pay (after pre-tax deductions)
var taxableGrossPay = grossPayPerPeriod – totalPreTaxDeductions;
if (taxableGrossPay socialSecurityWageBase) {
// If annual taxable gross exceeds the limit, SS tax is only on the portion up to the limit
// This is a simplification for a per-period calculation.
// A more robust system would track cumulative earnings.
// For this calculator, we'll apply SS tax to the periodic taxable gross,
// but if the annual gross is over the limit, it implies the periodic SS tax might stop at some point.
// For a simple per-period calculation, we'll apply it to the periodic taxable gross.
// A more accurate approach for a simple calculator is to apply it to the periodic taxable gross
// and var the user understand it's an estimate.
socialSecurityTax = taxableGrossPay * socialSecurityRate;
// To be slightly more accurate for the *current period*, if the annual gross is over the limit,
// it's possible SS tax is no longer being withheld. However, without tracking cumulative,
// it's hard to know *when* it stops.
// Let's assume for simplicity it applies to the periodic taxable gross up to the point it hits the annual limit.
// For a single period calculation, we'll apply it to the periodic taxable gross.
} else {
socialSecurityTax = taxableGrossPay * socialSecurityRate;
}
var medicareTax = taxableGrossPay * medicareRate;
var federalIncomeTax = taxableGrossPay * federalTaxRate;
var stateIncomeTax = taxableGrossPay * stateTaxRate;
var localIncomeTax = taxableGrossPay * localTaxRate;
var totalTaxes = socialSecurityTax + medicareTax + federalIncomeTax + stateIncomeTax + localIncomeTax;
var totalDeductions = totalPreTaxDeductions + totalTaxes;
var netPayPerPeriod = grossPayPerPeriod – totalDeductions;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
resultDiv.innerHTML = `
Your Estimated Paycheck
Gross Pay per Period: $${grossPayPerPeriod.toFixed(2)}
Pre-tax Deductions: $${totalPreTaxDeductions.toFixed(2)}
Your take-home pay, also known as net pay, is the amount of money you actually receive after all deductions are subtracted from your gross earnings. It's often significantly less than your gross salary, and understanding why is crucial for personal financial planning.
What is Gross Pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any taxes or other deductions are withheld. This is the salary or hourly wage you agree upon with your employer. For example, if your annual salary is $60,000, that's your gross annual pay.
Key Deductions from Your Paycheck
Several types of deductions reduce your gross pay to arrive at your net pay. These can be broadly categorized into mandatory and voluntary deductions.
1. Mandatory Deductions (Taxes)
Federal Income Tax: This is withheld based on your W-4 form, which you fill out when you start a new job. Factors like your marital status, number of dependents, and additional withholding requests influence this amount. The U.S. operates on a progressive tax system, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage.
State Income Tax: Most states also levy an income tax. The rates and rules vary significantly by state, with some states having no state income tax at all.
Local Income Tax: Some cities or counties may impose their own income taxes.
Social Security Tax (FICA): This funds retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Employees typically pay 6.2% of their gross wages 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 typically pay 1.45% of all gross wages, with no wage base limit. An additional Medicare tax of 0.9% applies to high-income earners.
2. Voluntary Pre-tax Deductions
These deductions are taken from your gross pay before taxes are calculated, which can lower your taxable income and thus your tax liability. Common examples include:
401(k) Contributions: Money you contribute to a traditional 401(k) retirement plan.
Health Insurance Premiums: Your share of the cost for employer-sponsored health, dental, or vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Contributions to these accounts for healthcare or dependent care expenses.
3. Voluntary Post-tax Deductions
These deductions are taken after taxes have been calculated and withheld. Examples include:
Roth 401(k) Contributions: Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
Life Insurance Premiums: If you pay for supplemental life insurance through your employer.
Union Dues: Fees paid to a labor union.
Garnishments: Court-ordered deductions for child support, alimony, or unpaid debts.
How Our Calculator Works
Our Payroll Take-Home Pay Calculator helps you estimate your net pay by factoring in your gross annual salary, pay frequency, and various common deductions. You can adjust the estimated tax rates for federal, state, and local income taxes, as well as your pre-tax contributions for 401(k) and health insurance premiums. The calculator then applies standard Social Security and Medicare tax rates to provide a comprehensive estimate of your take-home pay per period.
Important Considerations
Estimates Only: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual tax withholdings can vary based on specific tax laws, your W-4 elections, additional income, and other factors not included here.
State and Local Variations: Tax laws differ significantly by location. Ensure you use accurate rates for your specific state and locality.
Annual Limits: Some taxes, like Social Security, have annual wage base limits. This calculator simplifies the per-period calculation and does not track cumulative annual earnings.
Consult a Professional: For precise financial planning or tax advice, always consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor.
By using this calculator, you can gain a better understanding of how different deductions impact your paycheck and plan your finances more effectively.