Federal paycheck taxes explained (2026)
How federal withholding and FICA work on your paycheck. State pages link here so we do not repeat this on every state calculator.
Gross (per period)
$2,308
Net (per period)
$1,938
Effective tax rate
16.0%
| Item | Per period | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $2,308 | $60,000 |
| Federal income tax | $193 | $5,021 |
| Social Security | $143 | $3,720 |
| Medicare | $33 | $870 |
| Net pay | $1,938 | $50,389 |
Deductions breakdown (per period)
- Federal income tax
- Social Security
- Medicare
Federal income tax withholding
Employers use IRS Publication 15-T (2026) percentage-method tables with your Form W-4 filing status, pre-tax deductions, and any extra withholding. Withholding is an estimate toward your annual tax bill, not your final liability.
FICA: Social Security and Medicare
- Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (2026 wage base).
- Medicare: 1.45% on all covered wages (no cap).
- Additional Medicare: 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Standard deduction (annual return context)
For tax year 2026, the federal standard deduction is $16,100 (single) and $32,200 (married filing jointly). Pub. 15-T withholding tables already reflect these amounts for wage earners.
Example: $60,000 salary, single, biweekly (Texas — no state tax)
Federal withholding about $193 per paycheck; Social Security $143; Medicare $33. Net about $1,938 per paycheck ($50,389 per year).
2026 federal tax brackets (single filers, annual taxable income)
SOURCE: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Withholding uses Pub. 15-T tables, not this table directly each pay period.
| Taxable income | Marginal rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $12,400 | 10% |
| $12,400 – $50,400 | 12% |
| $50,400 – $105,700 | 22% |
| $105,700 – $201,775 | 24% |
| $201,775 – $256,225 | 32% |
| $256,225 – $640,600 | 35% |
| $640,600 – and above | 37% |
Standard deduction (single): $16,100.