US income tax
Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare on your pay, for tax year 2026.
You take home $79,180 a year
$6,598 a month. Federal income tax is $13,170, and Social Security plus Medicare $7,650: 20.8% of your pay in all. Your next dollar is taxed at 22.0% federally. State tax isn’t included.
Line by line
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Wages and other income | $100,000 |
| 401(k), 403(b), HSA (pre-tax) | $0 |
| Standard deduction | −$16,100 |
| Taxable income | $83,900 |
| Federal income tax | $13,170 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $6,200 |
| Medicare (1.45%+) | $1,450 |
| Take-home | $79,180 |
How this is calculated
Taxable income is your income minus pre-tax contributions and the larger of the standard or itemized deduction. Seven brackets from 10% to 37% apply to it, each only to the slice of income inside it.
Medicare = 1.45% × wages + 0.9% ($200,000 above)
Figures are for 2026 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32). Credits such as the child tax credit, capital-gains rates and state and local taxes aren’t included. A guide for planning, not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is US federal income tax calculated?
It applies to taxable income: your income minus pre-tax contributions and the larger of the standard or itemized deduction. Seven brackets from 10% to 37% apply, each only to the part of income inside it.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
$16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. You can itemize instead if your itemized deductions are larger.
What is FICA tax?
Social Security (6.2% of wages up to the yearly wage base) plus Medicare (1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% on high earnings). Your employer pays a matching share.
How much can I put in a 401(k) in 2026?
$24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up from age 50, or $11,250 at ages 60–63. Pre-tax contributions lower your federal income tax.