What is the income tax calculator?
In short
A $75,000 single filer pays about $7,670 in federal income tax under 2026 brackets — a 10.2% effective rate, not the 22% marginal rate. Adding $5,738 in FICA (6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare) brings the total to roughly $13,408, leaving about $61,592 of federal take-home before state tax.
This income tax calculator estimates your 2026 federal income tax, state income tax, FICA taxes, effective rate, and take-home pay based on your gross income, filing status, pre-tax deductions, and state.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your annual gross income.
- 2Select your filing status (single, married filing jointly, or head of household).
- 3Choose your state for state income tax.
- 4Enter pre-tax deductions (401k contributions, HSA contributions, etc.).
- 5Optionally enter itemized deductions if they exceed the standard deduction.
- 6Review your tax breakdown and effective rate.
The formula
- AGI
- — Adjusted Gross Income (gross minus pre-tax deductions)
- TI
- — Taxable Income (AGI minus standard/itemized deductions)
- FICA
- — Social Security (6.2%) + Medicare (1.45%)
Worked example
The scenario
$85,000 gross income, single filer in California, $5,000 in 401k contributions.
The result
Federal tax: ~$12,400 (22% bracket, ~15.7% effective). State tax: ~$5,100. FICA: ~$6,500. Total: ~$24,000. Take-home: ~$61,000 (~72%).
Common use cases
- Estimating take-home pay before accepting a job offer
- Planning how much to withhold on your W-4
- Comparing the after-tax benefit of increasing 401k contributions
- Understanding your true marginal vs effective tax rate
Limitations & assumptions
- Estimates use 2026 tax brackets and may not reflect all deductions, credits, or phase-outs.
- Does not include Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), or self-employment tax.
- State tax uses simplified flat rates — graduated state brackets are not modeled for all states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
What are the 2026 federal income tax brackets?
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
How do pre-tax deductions reduce my taxes?
What is FICA tax?
Which US states have no income tax?
How do I calculate my withholding on my W-4?
What tax credits can reduce my tax bill?
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.