Arizona Payroll Calculator
Federal Withholding
Arizona State Withholding
Deductions
Payroll Summary per Period
Gross Pay: $0.00
Pre-Tax Deductions: $0.00
Taxable Gross (Federal): $0.00
Federal Income Tax: $0.00
Social Security Tax:
Medicare Tax: $0.00
Taxable Gross (Arizona): $0.00
Arizona State Tax: $0.00
Post-Tax Deductions: $0.00
Net Pay: $0.00
Understanding Your Arizona Paycheck: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating your paycheck can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code. For employees in Arizona, understanding the various deductions, from federal taxes to state-specific withholdings, is crucial for financial planning. Our Arizona Payroll Calculator is designed to help you estimate your net pay, giving you a clearer picture of your take-home earnings.
How Payroll Works in Arizona
When you earn a salary or wages in Arizona, your employer is required to withhold certain taxes from your gross pay before you receive your net pay. These withholdings include federal income tax, FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and Arizona state income tax. Other deductions might include pre-tax contributions (like 401k or health insurance) and post-tax deductions (like Roth 401k or garnishments).
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax is a progressive tax, meaning higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes. The amount withheld from your paycheck depends on several factors, including your gross pay, filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household), and the information you provide on your W-4 form. The W-4 form helps your employer estimate the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold, preventing large tax bills or refunds at the end of the year. Our calculator uses a simplified method based on your W-4 inputs to estimate this withholding.
FICA Taxes: Social Security and Medicare
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, and it funds Social Security and Medicare programs. These are mandatory deductions for most employees:
- Social Security: This tax is 6.2% of your gross wages, up to an annual wage base limit (e.g., $168,600 for 2024). Once you earn above this limit in a calendar year, Social Security tax is no longer withheld.
- Medicare: This tax is 1.45% of all your gross wages, with no wage base limit. There's also an additional Medicare tax of 0.9% for high-income earners, but this is typically handled by the individual when filing taxes, not usually withheld by employers unless specific conditions are met. Our calculator focuses on the standard 1.45%.
Arizona State Income Tax
Arizona has a relatively straightforward state income tax system. For 2024, Arizona uses a flat tax rate of 2.5% for most income levels. However, the amount withheld from your paycheck is influenced by your Arizona Form A4, which specifies your filing status and the number of allowances you claim. These allowances reduce your taxable income for state withholding purposes, similar to federal allowances.
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Deductions
- Pre-Tax Deductions: These are deductions taken from your gross pay *before* taxes are calculated. Common examples include contributions to a 401(k) retirement plan, health insurance premiums, or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Because they reduce your taxable income, they lower your federal and state income tax liability.
- Post-Tax Deductions: These deductions are taken *after* all applicable taxes have been calculated and withheld. Examples include Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, garnishments, or charitable contributions made directly from your paycheck. These deductions do not affect your taxable income.
How to Use the Calculator
To get an accurate estimate of your net pay, simply input the following information:
- Gross Pay per Period: Your total earnings before any deductions for the selected pay period.
- Pay Frequency: How often you get paid (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly).
- Federal Withholding Information: Your filing status, dependents/other credits, other income, deductions, and any extra withholding as indicated on your W-4 form.
- Arizona State Withholding Information: Your filing status and allowances as indicated on your Arizona Form A4, plus any extra withholding.
- Pre-Tax Deductions: Any deductions that reduce your taxable income.
- Post-Tax Deductions: Any deductions taken after taxes.
Click "Calculate Payroll" to see a detailed breakdown of your estimated take-home pay.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate based on current tax laws and common withholding methods. It is not intended to be financial or tax advice. Actual payroll calculations may vary due to specific employer policies, additional local taxes, or unique individual circumstances. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for personalized advice.