Texas Paycheck & Payroll Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay in the Lone Star State
Understanding Texas Payroll Taxes
Texas is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not impose a state personal income tax. This makes calculating payroll in Texas significantly simpler than in most other states. However, while you won't see a "Texas State Tax" deduction on your pay stub, you are still responsible for Federal obligations.
Federal Income Tax (FIT)
Federal income tax is calculated based on your gross pay, filing status, and your W-4 form settings. The IRS uses progressive tax brackets, meaning higher portions of your income are taxed at higher rates. Our calculator uses the standard deduction and 2024 tax brackets to estimate this withholding.
FICA Taxes: Social Security and Medicare
All employees in Texas must pay FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes:
- Social Security: 6.2% of your gross pay up to the annual wage base limit ($168,600 for 2024).
- Medicare: 1.45% of your gross pay. There is an additional 0.9% tax for individuals earning over $200,000 annually.
Example Calculation
If you earn a monthly gross salary of $5,000 in Houston, Texas, and file as Single:
- Gross Pay: $5,000.00
- Social Security (6.2%): $310.00
- Medicare (1.45%): $72.50
- Federal Income Tax (Estimated): ~$495.00
- Net Take-Home Pay: Approximately $4,122.50
Notice that there is no deduction for state tax, leaving more money in the pockets of Texas residents compared to states like California or New York.
Employer Responsibilities in Texas
While employees don't pay state income tax, Texas employers are responsible for the Texas Unemployment Tax (SUTA). This rate varies based on the employer's history and industry. Employers also match the 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare contributions for every employee.