Where your gross pay goes
Take-home at other frequencies
Understanding your paycheck
How is this different from the Tax Calculator? ▾
The Tax Calculator estimates your full-year tax return liability. This tool estimates what your employer actually withholds from each paycheck under the IRS withholding formula driven by your Form W-4 — the two can differ slightly, which is normal, and is reconciled when you file your return.
What does the Step 2(c) checkbox do? ▾
Checking it tells your employer to withhold at a higher rate, approximating what's owed when you (or your household) have more than one job — without it, withholding assumes this is your only job and can under-withhold if you actually have others.
Why is my bonus taxed differently? ▾
Bonuses and other "supplemental wages" are commonly withheld at a flat 22% federal rate (37% on amounts over $1 million) rather than run through your regular W-4 formula. Your actual tax liability on that money is settled when you file — this is just how it's withheld now.
Why might my real paycheck differ from this estimate? ▾
Real payroll systems use exact IRS withholding tables, track your Social Security wage base precisely across the year, and may include benefits this tool doesn't model (life insurance, union dues, garnishments). Treat this as a close estimate, not a guarantee.
Annual projection
| Item | Per paycheck | Annual |
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| Name | Gross/paycheck | Net/paycheck | Annual net |
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