Annualized paycheck estimate
Formula
Estimated annual federal tax + employee FICA, divided by the selected number of pay periods.
This planning tool annualizes salary and pre-tax deductions, then estimates federal income tax and employee FICA.
It does not reproduce every Form W-4 step, benefit rule, state tax or employer payroll calculation.
Assumptions and limits
- Same gross pay each period
- No state or local income tax
- Pre-tax input reduces federal taxable income
- Additional Medicare withholding starts above $200,000 of wages
Planning estimate, not tax advice
Tax law depends on facts this tool cannot collect. Do not use the result as the sole basis for filing, withholding or payment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an exact W-4 withholding calculator?
No. It is an annualized planning estimate. Use the official IRS Tax Withholding Estimator for a complete W-4 analysis.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
The 2026 wage base is $184,500. Employee Social Security tax is 6.2% up to that limit.