What does a payroll deductions calculator do?
It organizes paycheck deductions into pre-tax items, income-tax withholding, employee payroll taxes and post-tax deductions so you can estimate the net amount left from gross pay.
Does this calculator determine federal income tax withholding?
No. For this paystub-review tool, you enter the actual federal and state/local withholding amounts from payroll or a scenario. The page independently estimates employee FICA using current 2026 rates and wage thresholds.
Are all pre-tax deductions exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax?
No. Tax treatment varies by benefit. To avoid implying that every pre-tax benefit reduces FICA wages, this page calculates FICA from gross wages and shows the entered benefit deductions separately.
What should I compare with my paystub?
Compare gross pay, year-to-date wages, each benefit deduction, federal withholding, state/local withholding, Social Security, Medicare and other deductions line by line.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
The calculator uses the current federal figures or official agency guidance described below where those rules apply. State-specific results should always be checked with the relevant state tax authority.