How do I calculate my paycheck taxes?

Enter your annual income, select your country and filing status, and our paycheck tax calculator will automatically calculate your federal, state/provincial taxes, and show your take-home pay with detailed breakdowns.

Can I estimate my tax refund?

Yes! Use our Tax Refund Estimator with W-2 input style. Enter your wages and taxes withheld from your W-2 form, and we'll calculate whether you'll receive a refund or owe taxes.

Which countries are supported?

Our tax calculator supports the United States (federal and state taxes), Canada (federal and provincial taxes), United Kingdom (PAYE and National Insurance), and India (income tax with deductions).

US Tax Calculator 2025: Complete Guide to Federal & State Income Tax

Understanding US income tax is crucial for effective financial planning. With federal tax brackets, state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and various deductions and credits, calculating your exact tax liability requires careful consideration. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the 2025 US tax system.

🧮 Use Our Free US Tax Calculator

Calculate Your US Taxes Now →

Get instant, accurate calculations for your federal tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and take-home pay. Our calculator is updated with all 2025 tax rates and supports all 50 states.

2025 Federal Tax Brackets

The IRS uses a progressive tax system with seven tax brackets for 2025:

Single Filers:

10% on income up to $11,600

12% on income between $11,601 and $47,150

22% on income between $47,151 and $100,525

24% on income between $100,526 and $191,950

32% on income between $191,951 and $243,725

35% on income between $243,726 and $609,350

37% on income over $609,350

Married Filing Jointly:

10% on income up to $23,200

12% on income between $23,201 and $94,300

22% on income between $94,301 and $201,050

24% on income between $201,051 and $383,900

32% on income between $383,901 and $487,450

35% on income between $487,451 and $731,200

37% on income over $731,200

Example Calculation

Annual income: $95,000 (Single)

$0 - $11,600: $1,160 (10%)

$11,601 - $47,150: $4,266 (12%)

$47,151 - $95,000: $10,527 (22%)

Total federal income tax: $15,953

Effective rate: 16.8%

Standard Deduction 2025

The standard deduction reduces your taxable income:

Single: $14,600

Married Filing Jointly: $29,200

Head of Household: $21,900

Married Filing Separately: $14,600

Should You Itemize?

Consider itemizing if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include:

Mortgage interest (up to $750,000 in loan principal)

State and local taxes (SALT deduction capped at $10,000)

Charitable contributions

Medical expenses (exceeding 7.5% of AGI)

Social Security and Medicare Taxes (FICA)

Social Security Tax

Rate: 6.2% (employee) + 6.2% (employer) = 12.4% total

Wage base limit: $168,600 for 2025

Maximum: $10,453.20 per employee

Medicare Tax

Rate: 1.45% (employee) + 1.45% (employer) = 2.9% total

No wage base limit

Additional Medicare Tax

Rate: 0.9% on wages over threshold

Thresholds:

- Single: $200,000

- Married Filing Jointly: $250,000

- Married Filing Separately: $125,000

Example: $95,000 Income

Social Security: $5,890 (6.2%)

Medicare: $1,378 (1.45%)

Total FICA: $7,268

State Income Taxes

State income tax varies significantly:

No Income Tax States (9 states):

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (wages only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming

Highest State Tax Rates:

California: Up to 13.3%

New York: Up to 10.9%

New Jersey: Up to 10.75%

Hawaii: Up to 11%

Lowest State Tax Rates:

North Dakota: 2.9%

Pennsylvania: Flat 3.07%

Indiana: Flat 3.15%

Tax Credits

Child Tax Credit

Amount: $2,000 per qualifying child under 17

Phase-out: Begins at $200,000 (single), $400,000 (married)

Refundable portion: Up to $1,600 per child

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Maximum 2025:

- $7,830 (3+ children)

- $6,960 (2 children)

- $4,213 (1 child)

- $632 (no children)

Income limits vary by filing status and number of children

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Percentage: 20-35% of expenses

Maximum expenses: $3,000 (one dependent), $6,000 (two or more)

Maximum credit: $1,050 (one), $2,100 (two or more)

Education Credits

American Opportunity Credit:

Amount: Up to $2,500 per student

Income phase-out: $80,000-$90,000 (single)

Lifetime Learning Credit:

Amount: Up to $2,000 per return

Income phase-out: $80,000-$90,000 (single)

Retirement Contributions

401(k) and 403(b)

Contribution limit: $23,000 (2025)

Catch-up (age 50+): Additional $7,500

Total maximum: $30,500

IRA (Traditional and Roth)

Contribution limit: $7,000 (2025)

Catch-up (age 50+): Additional $1,000

Total maximum: $8,000

Tax Benefits

Traditional 401(k)/IRA: Reduces taxable income now

Roth 401(k)/IRA: Tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement

Self-Employment Tax

If you're self-employed:

Rate: 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare)

Applied to: 92.35% of net self-employment income

Deduction: Can deduct 50% of self-employment tax

Example: $80,000 Self-Employment Income

Taxable self-employment income: $73,880

Self-employment tax: $11,304

Deductible portion: $5,652

Tax Planning Strategies

1. Maximize Retirement Contributions

Contributing $23,000 to a 401(k) can save you $5,060-$8,510 depending on your bracket.

2. Use Health Savings Account (HSA)

Contribution limit: $4,150 (individual), $8,300 (family)

Triple tax advantage: Deductible, grows tax-free, tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses

3. Tax-Loss Harvesting

Offset capital gains with capital losses. Can deduct up to $3,000 in net losses against ordinary income.

4. Bunching Deductions

Concentrate itemized deductions in alternating years to exceed the standard deduction.

5. Charitable Contributions

Cash: Deduct up to 60% of AGI

Appreciated stock: Avoid capital gains tax and deduct fair market value

Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not claiming all deductions and credits

2. Missing the tax filing deadline (April 15, 2026 for 2025 taxes)

3. Incorrect filing status

4. Math errors (use our calculator!)

5. Not making estimated tax payments (if self-employed)

6. Forgetting state tax obligations

Estimated Tax Payments

If you're self-employed or have significant non-wage income:

Quarterly due dates for 2025:

April 15, 2025 (Q1)

June 16, 2025 (Q2)

September 15, 2025 (Q3)

January 15, 2026 (Q4)

Safe harbor rule: Pay at least:

90% of current year's tax, OR

100% of prior year's tax (110% if AGI > $150,000)

State-by-State Highlights

California

10 brackets: 1% to 13.3%

State Disability Insurance (SDI): ~1%

No local income tax

New York

8 brackets: 4% to 10.9%

NYC adds 3.078%-3.876% for residents

Yonkers adds 16.75% of state tax

Texas

No state income tax

Higher property and sales taxes

Business franchise tax

Florida

No state income tax

No estate or inheritance tax

Tourism-friendly tax structure

🧮 Calculate Your Exact Tax Liability

Use Our Free US Tax Calculator →

Our calculator provides:

✅ Federal and state tax calculations

✅ Social Security and Medicare tax

✅ Itemized vs standard deduction comparison

✅ Tax bracket breakdown

✅ Take-home pay estimates

✅ Quarterly estimated tax payments

✅ Support for all 50 states

Conclusion

The US tax system is complex with federal taxes, state taxes, FICA taxes, and various deductions and credits. Understanding how these elements interact is crucial for accurate tax planning and maximizing your take-home pay.

Key takeaways:

Federal tax brackets are progressive (10%-37%)

Standard deductions for 2025: $14,600 (single), $29,200 (married)

FICA taxes: 7.65% for most workers

State taxes vary from 0% to 13.3%

Tax credits can significantly reduce your liability

Retirement contributions offer immediate tax savings

Use our comprehensive US tax calculator to get personalized results based on your income, state, filing status, and deductions. For complex tax situations, consult with a CPA or tax professional.

Calculate Your 2025 US Taxes Now →

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. US tax law is complex and changes regularly. Individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.