West Virginia Paycheck Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your net pay per pay period in West Virginia, factoring in federal, FICA, and WV state taxes, as well as common deductions.
Federal Withholding
West Virginia State Withholding
Deductions
Understanding Your West Virginia Paycheck
Navigating your paycheck can be complex, especially with various federal, state, and local taxes, alongside different types of deductions. This West Virginia Paycheck Calculator helps you estimate your take-home pay by breaking down these components.
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Your gross pay is the total amount of money you earn before any deductions or taxes are taken out. This is typically your hourly wage multiplied by hours worked, or your annual salary divided by your pay periods. Net pay, often referred to as "take-home pay," is the amount you receive after all deductions and taxes have been subtracted from your gross pay.
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax is a progressive tax, meaning higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes. The amount withheld from your paycheck depends on your gross income, your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.), and the information you provide on your W-4 form, including any allowances or additional withholding amounts. Our calculator uses a simplified approach based on current tax brackets and a common allowance value to estimate this.
FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, which funds Social Security and Medicare. These are mandatory federal taxes:
- Social Security: As of 2024, this is 6.2% of your gross wages, up to an annual wage base limit of $168,600.
- Medicare: As of 2024, this is 1.45% of all your gross wages, with no wage base limit.
Your employer also pays an equal amount for both Social Security and Medicare on your behalf.
West Virginia State Income Tax
West Virginia has a progressive state income tax system. The amount of state income tax withheld depends on your taxable income, your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly), and the number of allowances you claim on your WV/IT-104 form. For 2024, West Virginia has implemented significant tax cuts, including a 0% bracket for the first portion of income. Each WV allowance reduces your annual taxable income by $2,000.
Deductions
Deductions can significantly impact your net pay. They are generally categorized as:
- Pre-tax Deductions: These are taken out of your gross pay before taxes are calculated, thereby reducing your taxable income. Common examples include contributions to a 401(k) or traditional IRA, and health insurance premiums.
- Post-tax Deductions: These are taken out after all taxes have been calculated. Examples include Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, charitable contributions, or wage garnishments.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator takes your gross pay and pay frequency to determine your annual income. It then applies pre-tax deductions to arrive at your taxable income for federal and state purposes. FICA taxes are calculated on your gross pay (up to the Social Security limit). Federal and West Virginia state income taxes are estimated based on current tax brackets, your filing status, and claimed allowances. Finally, post-tax deductions are subtracted to give you your estimated net pay.
Please note that this calculator provides an estimate. Actual withholding may vary based on specific circumstances, additional deductions, or changes in tax laws. It's always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or refer to official IRS and West Virginia tax resources for precise information.