United States · Updated for 2026
US paycheck and tax guides for 2026
Three taxes come out of every US paycheck: federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Most states add an income tax of their own, and a 401(k), health insurance or an HSA can come out before any of them. These guides explain each one in plain English, with worked examples on real pay.
- Federal tax brackets for 2026 The 2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers, married couples and heads of household, from 10% to 37%, with the $16,100 standard deduction and worked examples.
- Social Security and Medicare tax in 2026 How FICA works in 2026: 6.2% Social Security up to $184,500, 1.45% Medicare on all pay, and the extra 0.9% above $200,000.
- Pre-tax deductions: 401(k) and HSA (2026) How a 401(k), an HSA and health insurance taken before tax lower your taxes in 2026, what each one costs your paycheck, and the $24,500 and $4,400 limits.
- How to fill out a W-4 in 2026 The W-4 in plain words: what each step means, when to fill in steps 2 to 4, and how to check your withholding so you do not owe at tax time.
- States with no income tax in 2026 The 9 states that take no income tax from wages in 2026, what your paycheck looks like there, and what each state taxes instead.
To see the numbers on your own pay, use the paycheck calculator or the hourly to salary calculator.
About the guides
Who writes these guides?
The My Salary Calculator team. Every guide is our own plain-English writing, and every worked example is calculated by the same engine as the paycheck calculator.
How up to date are they?
They cover the 2026 tax year. Every figure is listed, with the official page it comes from, on our sources page.
Is this tax advice?
No. The guides explain how the rules work for a typical employee. For your own withholding, use the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator or ask a tax professional.
Do the guides cover self-employment?
Not yet. They are written for employees paid through payroll, who get a W-2.
Where are the state rates?
On each state’s page, such as the California paycheck calculator. The US paycheck calculator compares every state on the same pay.
Can I suggest a guide?
Yes, please. Email hello@mysalarycalculator.app.