How is take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is calculated by starting with your gross income, then subtracting federal income tax, state income tax (if applicable), FICA taxes (Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums.
What are the 2025 federal tax brackets?
For 2025, federal tax brackets are: 10% up to $11,925 (single), 12% from $11,926–$48,475, 22% from $48,476–$103,350, 24% from $103,351–$197,300, 32% from $197,301–$250,525, 35% from $250,526–$626,350, and 37% above $626,350. Married filing jointly brackets are roughly double.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
How much does a 401(k) contribution save on taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal and state taxable income dollar-for-dollar. Contributing $10,000 at a 22% federal + 5% state rate saves roughly $2,700 in taxes annually. The 2025 limit is $23,500 (under 50) or $31,000 (50+).
What is the difference between effective and marginal tax rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar earned. Your effective rate is total tax divided by gross income — what you actually pay on average. Most people's effective rate is well below their marginal rate.
How does my W-4 affect withholding?
The W-4 tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold. Step 4(c) lets you request extra withholding per paycheck. If you have multiple jobs or a working spouse, completing Step 2 prevents under-withholding at tax time.