Keep More of What You Earn
Every dollar you earn has a tax story. These guides explain the math so you keep more of what you make.
Taxes are the biggest variable in your take-home pay. Federal brackets range from 10% to 37%. FICA takes another $7.65%. State income tax adds more — or nothing, in nine states. And if you are self-employed, you pay both halves of FICA yourself.
These guides break down every tax that affects your paycheck: federal income tax brackets, FICA and the Social Security wage base, state income tax, self-employment tax, and the tax savings from retirement accounts. Each guide includes calculator tools so you can run the numbers on your own situation.
The Tax Estimator handles quarterly estimates for self-employed and W-2 employees. The Take Home Pay Calculator covers federal and state tax plus FICA. The Retirement Stack Calculator models 401(k), IRA, HSA, and Roth conversions. All calculators link to the relevant guide for methodology.
Federal Tax Brackets 2026
How the IRS taxes your income — and which bracket you actually fall in.
Read guide →What Is FICA Tax?
The 7.65% your employer pays on your behalf — and why it matters.
Read guide →Gross vs. Net Pay
Why your take-home is always less than your salary.
Read guide →How to Read Your Paycheck
Every line item on your stub — decoded.
Read guide →Take-Home Pay Calculation
Step-by-step from gross salary to actual paycheck.
Read guide →Self-Employment Tax: 1099 vs. W-2
Contractors pay both halves of FICA — here is the math.
Read guide →Retirement Contribution Stack 2026
401(k), IRA, HSA — and the tax you save with each.
Read guide →How Overtime Pay Works
FLSA rules, exempt vs. non-exempt, and how 1.5x is calculated.
Read guide →Wage Growth vs. Inflation 2020–2026
Have wages kept pace with the cost of living? The data tells the story.
Read guide →FICA Wage Base History 1999–2026
How the Social Security cap has grown — and what it means for your taxes.
Read guide →Healthcare Premium Take-Home 2026
How health insurance premiums eat into your actual pay.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?
A deduction reduces your taxable income. A $1,000 deduction saves $220 if you are in the 22% bracket. A credit reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar — $1,000 in credits saves $1,000 regardless of your bracket. Most itemized deductions are deductions. The Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Lifetime Learning Credit are credits.
What is the OBBBA and how does it affect my paycheck?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025) created temporary above-the-line deductions for 2025-2028: qualified tips, overtime pay, and up to $10,000 in state and local taxes (SALT). These deductions are claimed on your annual tax return, not on each paycheck. Withholding tables were not updated, so your paycheck may not change immediately — but your refund or tax bill will when you file.
How is FICA different from federal income tax?
Federal income tax funds government operations and is progressive — rates range from 10% to 37%. FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) funds Social Security and Medicare and is flat at 7.65% on wages up to $176,100 (2026), and only 1.45% above that. There is no income limit on Medicare tax. 401(k) contributions reduce your income tax but do not reduce your FICA.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. Itemizing is worth it only if your deductible expenses exceed the standard deduction. For most workers, the standard deduction is larger. Use the Tax Estimator tool to model both scenarios.