Tax & Salary Calculators
Estimate your tax obligations and take-home pay with our free tax and salary calculators. From federal income tax brackets to paycheck deductions, our tools break down complex tax calculations into clear, actionable numbers so you can plan your finances with confidence.
Salary Calculator
Convert between hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annual salary amounts.
VAT Calculator
Calculate value-added tax amounts by adding or removing VAT from any price.
Commission Calculator
Calculate sales commission earnings based on sales amount and commission rate structure.
Depreciation Calculator
Calculate asset depreciation using straight-line, declining balance, or other methods.
How to Choose the Right Tax Calculator
Selecting the right tax or salary calculator depends on your specific need. If you want to understand your paycheck and take-home pay, start with the salary calculator. It converts between different pay frequencies and estimates tax deductions to show your net income.
When calculating taxes, keep in mind that the United States uses a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. Your marginal tax rate (the rate on your last dollar of income) is often higher than your effective tax rate (the average rate across all your income). Our calculators help you understand both.
For accurate results, have your most recent pay stub or W-2 handy. Include all applicable deductions such as 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and other pre-tax benefits, as these reduce your taxable income and significantly affect your take-home pay.
Understanding Taxes and Salary
Understanding how taxes and salary calculations work is essential for effective financial planning. In the United States, your gross salary is subject to several types of deductions before it becomes your take-home pay, including federal income tax, state income tax (in most states), Social Security tax (6.2% up to the annual wage base), and Medicare tax (1.45% with an additional 0.9% for high earners).
The federal income tax system uses progressive brackets, which means your income is divided into portions that are each taxed at a different rate. For the 2026 tax year, the brackets for single filers range from 10% on the first $12,400 of taxable income up to 37% on income over $640,600. This system ensures that higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.
Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income, effectively lowering your tax bill. For example, contributing $500 per month to a 401(k) reduces your annual taxable income by $6,000. If you are in the 22% tax bracket, this saves you $1,320 in federal taxes per year while simultaneously building your retirement savings.
Your W-4 form determines how much tax your employer withholds from each paycheck. Getting your withholding right is important: too much means you are giving the government an interest-free loan, while too little could result in a surprise tax bill and potential penalties when you file your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my take-home pay from my salary?
To calculate take-home pay, start with your gross salary and subtract federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any other deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums. Our salary calculator automates this process, showing you the exact amount you can expect in each paycheck based on your filing status and deductions.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions, while net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after all taxes and deductions are subtracted. For example, an annual gross salary of $60,000 might result in approximately $46,000 to $48,000 in net pay, depending on your state, filing status, and deductions.
How do tax brackets work in the United States?
The U.S. uses a progressive tax system where your income is divided into brackets, each taxed at a different rate. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. For example, if you earn $50,000 as a single filer, the first $11,925 is taxed at 10%, the next portion up to $48,475 at 12%, and the remaining amount at 22%. Your effective tax rate is lower than your marginal bracket.
How much does a 401(k) contribution reduce my taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income dollar for dollar. If you are in the 22% federal tax bracket, every $1,000 you contribute saves you $220 in federal taxes. The maximum employee contribution for 2026 is $24,500 ($32,500 if you are age 50 or older). State tax savings provide additional benefits in most states.