Tax Calculator
Estimate your income tax and calculate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.
$0
Annual Take-Home Pay
Federal Tax:
$0
State Tax:
$0
FICA (SS + Medicare):
$0
Effective Tax Rate:
0%
Understanding Your Taxes
This calculator provides estimates of your tax burden and take-home pay. Actual taxes may vary based on deductions, credits, and other factors. Always consult a tax professional for accurate filing.
Federal Income Tax Brackets (2025)
The US uses a progressive tax system with different rates for income ranges:
- 10% on income up to $11,600 (single) / $23,200 (married)
- 12% on income $11,601-$47,150 (single) / $23,201-$94,300 (married)
- 22% on income $47,151-$100,525 (single) / $94,301-$201,050 (married)
- 24% on income $100,526-$191,950 (single) / $201,051-$383,900 (married)
- 32%, 35%, 37% on higher incomes
FICA Taxes
Social Security: 6.2% on income up to $168,600 (2025 limit)
Medicare: 1.45% on all income (+ 0.9% on income over $200k/$250k)
Total FICA: 7.65% for most workers
State Income Tax
Varies by state from 0% (no state tax) to 13.3% (California). This calculator uses your entered rate as an estimate.
Ways to Reduce Your Tax Burden
Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts
- 401(k): Contributions reduce taxable income (limit: $23,000 in 2025)
- Traditional IRA: Tax-deductible contributions (limit: $7,000 in 2025)
- HSA: Triple tax advantage for healthcare (limit: $4,150 single/$8,300 family)
Common Tax Deductions
- Mortgage interest (up to $750,000 loan)
- State and local taxes (SALT) up to $10,000
- Charitable donations
- Student loan interest (up to $2,500)
- Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI
Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 per qualifying child
- Earned Income Tax Credit: For lower-income workers
- Education Credits: American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning
- Saver's Credit: For retirement contributions (low/moderate income)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Marginal rate is the tax on your last dollar earned (your tax bracket). Effective rate is total tax divided by total income. Example: $60k income might be in 22% bracket (marginal) but pay 12% overall (effective) due to lower brackets applying to earlier income.
How much tax will I pay on my salary?
Rough estimate: 25-30% total for federal, state, and FICA combined for middle-income earners. $60k salary typically results in $45k-$48k take-home pay depending on state and deductions.
Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
If you're self-employed, have side income, or don't have taxes withheld, and expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, you must pay quarterly. Due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15. Use IRS Form 1040-ES.
What states have no income tax?
Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. However, these states may have higher property or sales taxes to compensate.
Should I claim 0 or 1 on W-4?
The W-4 changed in 2020 and no longer uses allowances. Now you enter expected deductions and credits. More deductions = less withheld = bigger paychecks but potential tax due. Fewer deductions = more withheld = larger refund but smaller paychecks.