What belongs in pre-tax deductions?+
Anything that reduces taxable wages on your stub: traditional 401(k) or 403(b), HSA and FSA contributions, and usually your share of health premiums.
Why not load federal brackets automatically?+
Brackets, credits, and state rules change every year and depend on filing status, dependants, and other income. Keeping the rate in your hands makes the assumption visible rather than hidden.
What rate should I enter?+
Your effective rate, meaning total tax divided by income, not your top bracket. Divide last year's total tax by last year's gross income for a decent starting figure.
Why is my real paycheck smaller than this?+
Payroll tax is usually the missing piece. Social Security and Medicare come out separately from income tax withholding, so fold them into the combined rate if you want the estimate to match your stub.
What percentage of my salary do I take home?+
Most US employees take home roughly 70 to 80% of gross pay; the rest goes to income tax, payroll tax, and benefit deductions. Your split depends on filing status, state, and pre-tax contributions.
What is the difference between gross pay and net pay?+
Gross pay is the full amount you earn before deductions. Net pay, or take-home pay, is what lands in your bank account after tax, retirement contributions, and benefit premiums.
Do 401(k) contributions reduce take-home pay dollar for dollar?+
No. A pre-tax 401(k) contribution also lowers taxable income, so the take-home hit is smaller than the contribution itself, roughly the contribution minus the tax you would have paid.
Are these numbers financial advice?+
No. They are educational estimates based on the inputs and assumptions on this page. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and your own documents.