Paycheck & Salary Take-Home Calculator 2026
How Much Tax Will I Pay on My Salary?
Your take-home pay depends on your gross salary, country, and filing status. All countries use progressive tax systems — meaning higher income is taxed at higher rates. This calculator shows your net pay after income tax, social security, and other mandatory deductions.
Tax Rates by Country 2026
| Country | Top Income Tax Rate | Social Security / NI | Tax-Free Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 37% (federal) | 6.2% SS + 1.45% Medicare | Standard deduction $16,100 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 45% (additional rate) | 8% National Insurance | Personal allowance £12,570 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 33% (federal) | CPP + EI contributions | Basic personal amount ~$16,129 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 45% (top rate) | Medicare levy 2% | Tax-free threshold A$18,200 |
Gross Pay vs Take-Home Pay
Your gross salary is the headline figure in your job offer — before anything is taken off. Your take-home (net) pay is what actually lands in your bank account after income tax, and social contributions like National Insurance (UK) or Social Security and Medicare (US). Because tax is banded, a pay rise is never taxed at your full marginal rate on the whole salary — only the slice in each higher band is. That is why doubling your gross salary does not double your take-home.
What Else Comes Out of Your Pay
- Pension / retirement contributions. Workplace pension or 401(k) contributions reduce your take-home now but build long-term savings, often with an employer match and tax relief.
- Student loan repayments. In the UK these are a percentage of income above a threshold; in the US they are separate from payroll. Either way they lower disposable income.
- State and local taxes (US). This calculator uses federal figures; states like California or New York add their own income tax, while Texas and Florida have none.
- Benefits in kind. Perks such as a company car or private medical cover can be taxed through your code, quietly lowering your net pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is take-home pay?
Take-home pay (also called net pay) is your salary after all deductions — income tax, social security, national insurance, and other mandatory contributions. It's the actual amount deposited into your bank account each payday.
How much tax do I pay on $100,000 in the US?
On a $100,000 salary (2026 brackets, single, after the $16,100 standard deduction), federal income tax is about $13,400, plus Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). State tax is on top and varies: in California it is roughly $5,300, giving total deductions near $26,300 and take-home around $73,700. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida there is no state line, so take-home is closer to $79,000.
How much does a 401(k) or pension contribution reduce my paycheck?
Less than the amount you contribute, because it comes out before tax. Enter a contribution percentage above and the calculator shows the "true cost" — for example, if you are in a 30% marginal band, every $100 into a 401(k) only lowers your take-home by about $70. In the UK, salary-sacrifice pension also cuts National Insurance, and if it brings your income back under £100,000 it restores the tapered personal allowance, so £100 in can cost as little as £38 of take-home.
What is the difference between my effective and marginal tax rate?
Your effective rate is total tax as a share of your whole salary. Your marginal rate is what you pay on the next pound or dollar you earn — it is always higher, and it is the number that tells you what a pay rise is really worth or how much a pension contribution saves. Both are shown with every result above.
What is the UK personal allowance for 2026?
The personal allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570. You pay no income tax on earnings below this amount. Above £12,570, you pay 20% basic rate, 40% higher rate (above £50,270), and 45% additional rate (above £125,140).
How does Australian tax work?
Australia uses a progressive tax system with a tax-free threshold of A$18,200. Rates range from 19% to 45%. A Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. Employers also contribute 11.5% of your salary to your superannuation (pension) fund in 2026.
📖 Read the guide
How to calculate your take-home pay
What to work out next
⚠️ Disclaimer: Results are estimates only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax laws change frequently — always verify with official sources (IRS, HMRC) and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.
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