.calc-container { background: #ffffff; padding: 25px; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); margin-bottom: 30px; }
.calc-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 20px; }
.input-group { margin-bottom: 15px; }
.input-group label { display: block; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 5px; color: #2c3e50; }
.input-group input, .input-group select { width: 100%; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 6px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; }
.calc-btn { grid-column: span 2; background-color: #007bff; color: white; padding: 15px; border: none; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 18px; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; transition: background 0.3s; margin-top: 10px; }
.calc-btn:hover { background-color: #0056b3; }
.results-box { grid-column: span 2; background: #eef7ff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; margin-top: 20px; border: 1px solid #b6d4fe; }
.result-item { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #d0e3ff; }
.result-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em; color: #0056b3; }
.article-section { background: white; padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd; }
h2 { color: #2c3e50; border-left: 5px solid #007bff; padding-left: 15px; margin-top: 30px; }
h3 { color: #34495e; margin-top: 20px; }
.example-box { background: #f0f4f8; padding: 20px; border-left: 4px solid #007bff; margin: 20px 0; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .calc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .calc-btn { grid-column: span 1; } .results-box { grid-column: span 1; } }
function calculateNetPay() {
var gross = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossSalary').value);
var freq = parseFloat(document.getElementById('payFrequency').value);
var status = document.getElementById('filingStatus').value;
var stateRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stateRate').value) || 0;
var pretax401k = parseFloat(document.getElementById('preTax401k').value) || 0;
var health = parseFloat(document.getElementById('healthIns').value) || 0;
if (isNaN(gross) || gross <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid gross salary.");
return;
}
var totalPreTax = pretax401k + health;
var standardDeduction = (status === 'single') ? 13850 : 27700;
var taxableIncome = gross – totalPreTax – standardDeduction;
if (taxableIncome < 0) taxableIncome = 0;
// 2023-2024 Simplified Federal Brackets (Single)
var fedTax = 0;
if (status === 'single') {
if (taxableIncome <= 11000) fedTax = taxableIncome * 0.10;
else if (taxableIncome <= 44725) fedTax = 1100 + (taxableIncome – 11000) * 0.12;
else if (taxableIncome <= 95375) fedTax = 5147 + (taxableIncome – 44725) * 0.22;
else if (taxableIncome <= 182100) fedTax = 16290 + (taxableIncome – 95375) * 0.24;
else fedTax = 37104 + (taxableIncome – 182100) * 0.32;
} else {
// Simplified Married Brackets
if (taxableIncome <= 22000) fedTax = taxableIncome * 0.10;
else if (taxableIncome <= 89450) fedTax = 2200 + (taxableIncome – 22000) * 0.12;
else if (taxableIncome <= 190750) fedTax = 10294 + (taxableIncome – 89450) * 0.22;
else fedTax = 32580 + (taxableIncome – 190750) * 0.24;
}
// FICA: SS is 6.2% up to $160,200, Medicare is 1.45%
var ssTax = Math.min(gross, 160200) * 0.062;
var medicareTax = gross * 0.0145;
var totalFica = ssTax + medicareTax;
var stateTax = gross * (stateRate / 100);
var annualNet = gross – fedTax – totalFica – stateTax – totalPreTax;
var paycheckNet = annualNet / freq;
document.getElementById('resFedTax').innerHTML = '$' + fedTax.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('resFica').innerHTML = '$' + totalFica.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('resStateTax').innerHTML = '$' + stateTax.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('resDeductions').innerHTML = '$' + totalPreTax.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById('resNet').innerHTML = '$' + paycheckNet.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Your Paycheck: A Comprehensive Guide
Calculating your take-home pay is more than just dividing your annual salary by 12 or 26. In the United States, your gross pay is subject to various federal, state, and local withholdings, as well as voluntary deductions for benefits. Using a smart paycheck calculator helps you plan your monthly budget accurately by estimating your actual net income.
1. Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Gross Pay is the total amount of money you earn before any taxes or deductions are removed. Net Pay, often called "take-home pay," is the amount that actually lands in your bank account on payday.
2. Mandatory Federal Withholdings
- Federal Income Tax: This is a progressive tax based on your filing status and earnings. The IRS uses brackets (ranging from 10% to 37%) to determine how much you owe.
- FICA Taxes: The Federal Insurance Contributions Act mandates two specific taxes:
- Social Security: Currently 6.2% of your gross wages, up to a specific annual limit ($160,200 for 2023).
- Medicare: 1.45% of your gross wages with no upper limit.
3. State and Local Taxes
Depending on where you live and work, you may be subject to state income tax. Some states, like Florida and Texas, have 0% income tax, while others, like California or New York, have progressive rates that can exceed 10%. Some cities also levy a local "City Tax."
Realistic Paycheck Example
Imagine a single employee living in a state with a 5% flat tax earning $75,000 per year, paid bi-weekly.
- Gross Bi-weekly Pay: $2,884.62
- FICA Withholding: ~$220.67
- Estimated Fed Tax: ~$350.00
- State Tax: ~$144.23
- Estimated Take-Home: ~$2,169.72
4. Pre-Tax Deductions
One of the most effective ways to lower your tax bill is through pre-tax deductions. These are taken out of your gross pay before taxes are calculated, reducing your "taxable income." Common examples include:
- Traditional 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums.
How to Use This Calculator
To get the most accurate result, have your latest pay stub or job offer letter handy. Enter your total annual salary, select your pay frequency (Weekly, Bi-weekly, etc.), and enter your specific state's tax rate. Don't forget to include your contributions to retirement or health insurance, as these significantly impact your final take-home amount.