How much tax is taken out of a paycheck?

The short answer

Three layers come out of every US paycheck: federal income tax (the biggest and most variable line, typically 8% to 18% of gross for middle incomes), FICA at a flat 7.65% (Social Security 6.2% plus Medicare 1.5%), and state income tax (0% in nine states, up to 13.3% at the very top in California). Put your own numbers through the paycheck calculator for an exact figure; the sections below explain each piece.

What percentage of your paycheck goes to taxes?

Here are complete 2026 examples for a single filer paid every two weeks, standard deduction, no pre-tax benefits:

• $50,000 salary: 15.3% total tax in a no-income-tax state (keeps $42,355), 17.8% in California (keeps $41,110).
• $75,000 salary: 17.9% total tax in a no-income-tax state (keeps $61,593), 21.9% in California (keeps $58,575).
• $100,000 salary: 20.8% total tax in a no-income-tax state (keeps $79,180), 26.1% in California (keeps $73,853).

The percentage rises with income because federal brackets are progressive, and it can drop sharply if you put money into a 401(k) or HSA first; the 401(k) and health insurance paycheck page shows that math.

Federal income tax: the W-4 line

Your employer projects your annual taxable income (wages minus pre-tax deductions minus the standard deduction), runs it through the IRS brackets, and withholds one pay period's share, following the Form W-4 you filed and IRS Publication 15-T.

2026 standard deduction

• Single: $16,100
• Married filing jointly: $32,200
• Head of household: $24,150

2026 federal tax brackets

Brackets are marginal: only the dollars inside each band pay that band's rate. A single filer earning $70,000 doesn't pay 22% of $70,000; they pay 10%, 12% and 22% on successive slices, which works out closer to 9% of gross. That's also why a raise can never shrink your check.

Social Security: 6.2% up to a cap

6.2% of gross wages until you reach the 2026 wage base of $184,500, then it stops for the year. Your employer pays a matching 6.2% that never appears on your stub.

Medicare: 1.5% with no cap

1.5% of every dollar. Once year-to-date wages pass $200,000, payroll withholds an extra 0.9% regardless of filing status (the actual liability threshold, $250,000 joint or $125,000 married filing separately, settles on your return).

State income tax: $0 to 13.3%

Nine states withhold nothing from wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Arizona takes a flat 2.5%; most states run progressive brackets topping out between 4% and 11%; California reaches 13.3%. Some cities add their own wage tax on top, including New York City, Philadelphia, and most Ohio municipalities. Every state's rates are on its own page via the calculators-by-state index; Florida's zero-tax paycheck is covered in the Florida paycheck taxes guide.

What's not a tax on your stub

Health, dental and vision premiums, 401(k) or 403(b) contributions, HSA and FSA money, life insurance, union dues and garnishments all reduce your check without being taxes. The pre-tax ones actually shrink the tax lines above them. If you're untangling which is which, start with gross pay vs. net pay.

How to check your own paycheck

Grab your last pay stub, note gross pay and each withholding line, and compare against the online paycheck calculator. A gap of a few dollars is rounding in the IRS tables. A gap of $50+ per check usually traces to your W-4: a forgotten second job, dependent credits you no longer qualify for, or extra withholding you set years ago.