Quick answer: A single worker earning $75,000 a year, paid every two weeks, with 5% to a 401(k) and a 4% flat state tax takes home $2,136.10 per paycheck ($55,538.50 a year) in 2025.
How it's calculated
Federal income tax uses the 2025 brackets on pay minus pre-tax 401(k) and health deductions minus the standard deduction. FICA is 6.2% Social Security on wages up to $176,100 plus 1.45% Medicare on all wages, and an extra 0.9% Medicare above $200,000 (single).
401(k) contributions lower income tax but not FICA; pre-tax health premiums (section 125) lower both. State income tax is entered as one flat rate on pay after pre-tax deductions: states range from none (Texas, Florida, Washington and others) to progressive rates above 10%, so use your state's effective rate.
Per-paycheck figures are the yearly amounts divided by the number of pay periods. They show the tax owed for the year; an employer's withholding under IRS Publication 15-T can differ a little per paycheck. For the federal tax alone, bracket by bracket, see the US income tax calculator; for retirement savings, the US 401(k) calculator.
Worked examples
- $75,000, single, 5% 401(k), 4% state, biweekly: $2,136.10 per paycheck
- FICA on $75,000: 75,000 × 7.65% = $5,737.50
Frequently asked questions
Why is my real paycheck different?
Employers withhold using your W-4 and IRS Publication 15-T tables, and may deduct dental, vision, union dues or other items. Over the year, your tax return settles the difference.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming have no tax on wages; New Hampshire taxes none either from 2025. Enter 0% for them.
Does it include the 2025 tax on tips or overtime deductions?
No. Those new deductions apply only to qualifying tips and overtime pay and are claimed on the tax return.
What is FICA?
US payroll tax: 6.2% for Social Security, up to a yearly earnings limit, and 1.45% for Medicare, plus an extra 0.9% on high earnings.
Does a 401(k) contribution lower my take-home by the full amount?
No. A traditional contribution lowers your income tax, so your pay falls by less than you put in. FICA still applies.
Why does it ask how often I am paid?
The yearly tax stays the same, but it's divided by your number of paychecks to show what each one should be.