FAQ
Questions about the estimate
Short answers. The methodology has the full model. PayNetUS is not a government site.
Is PayNetUS affiliated with the IRS or my employer?
No. PayNetUS is an independent educational website. It is not a government agency, not a payroll provider, and not affiliated with the IRS, Social Security Administration, any state tax department, or any employer.
Why doesn’t this match my pay stub exactly?
Real paychecks include Form W-4 extras, multiple jobs, pretax health premiums, HSA/FSA, commuter benefits, union dues, garnishments, local taxes, disability insurance, and employer-specific rounding. This tool uses a published-bracket annual method plus a simplified state model. Treat it as a planning estimate.
Which tax year does the paycheck calculator use?
You can switch between tax year 2026 (default) and tax year 2025. Federal brackets and standard deductions come from IRS inflation adjustments (including OBBBA changes). FICA wage bases come from SSA. The year is labeled on the tool and in results.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce FICA?
A traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) typically reduces federal and most state income-tax withholding, but employee Social Security and Medicare still apply to those wages. Roth 401(k) contributions do not reduce income-tax withholding. This tool models traditional pre-tax deferrals only.
How are dependents handled?
Dependents are a simplified stand-in for the Child Tax Credit ($2,200 per dependent in 2025 and 2026 in this model) and, where listed, a state dependent exemption or credit. We do not test qualifying-child rules, other-dependent credits, or income phaseouts.
Which states have no wage income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington (wages), and Wyoming. Washington taxes certain capital gains, not ordinary wages. New Hampshire repealed its interest and dividends tax. Local wage taxes can still apply in some cities even when the state has no income tax.
Do you include city or county income tax?
No. Places such as New York City, many Pennsylvania municipalities, Maryland counties, Ohio school districts, and several other localities levy extra wage taxes. The state note on your result flags common gaps.
Is this tax advice?
No. Nothing on PayNetUS is tax, legal, or financial advice. Use official IRS Publication 15-T, your state’s withholding tables, Form W-4, and a qualified professional for decisions that affect filing or withholding.