How Much of Your Salary You Actually Keep
Three deductions decide your take-home: federal, FICA, and state.
Federal income tax
Marginal brackets (10-37%) apply only to income within each band. After the $15,000 standard deduction (single), a $75k salary is taxed at 10-22% — an effective rate around 11%. A raise never pushes ALL your income into a higher bracket.
FICA: the 7.65% everyone pays
Social Security (6.2%) up to the wage base and Medicare (1.45%, no cap) come out of every paycheck regardless of bracket. Self-employed workers pay both halves (15.3%).
State tax: where you live matters most
Nine states (TX, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, WA, WY, AK) charge no income tax. California tops out near 13.3%; most states sit between 3-7%. A $75k salary can differ by $5,000+/year in take-home between best and worst states.
Your take-home, by state
Your Results
Estimate only — does not include 401(k), insurance, or credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not impose a state income tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY.
Why does my actual paycheck differ?
Employers also deduct 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and other benefits. This calculator shows a clean estimate before those deductions.
What tax brackets are used?
The calculator uses 2025 federal brackets with standard deductions ($15,000 single / $30,000 married filing jointly) and a 5% flat state estimate.
Related Calculators
Related tools
- Tax Bracket Calculator — your marginal and effective rate
- Paycheck Calculator — per-paycheck view
- Tax Refund Calculator — refund or owed?
- California vs Texas take-home comparison