Paycheck calculators for raises, offers and W-4 checkups

Paychecks & payroll: questions firms ask

• Do the paycheck calculators handle state withholding?

  No. They estimate federal income tax withholding and FICA. Each page states that state and local taxes are excluded.

• Do they include the Additional Medicare Tax?

  Yes: 0.9% on wages over $200,0002026 · IRS, as the calculators apply it.

• Can an employer use net-to-gross for a bonus gross-up?

  Yes. Net-to-gross works backward from a target net amount, which is how many small employers think about bonuses. It is an estimate, not a payroll run.

• Does the hourly calculator include the overtime deduction?

  It reflects the 2025–2028 deduction for qualified overtime premium pay, up to $12,500 ($25,000 married filing jointly), phased out above $150,000 / $300,0002026 · 2025 tax law, as stated in its assumptions.

• Are these a replacement for the IRS withholding estimator?

  No. They are quick estimates. For a W-4 change, clients should confirm with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or with your firm.

• Which firms benefit most from paycheck calculators?

  Tax preparers in January, CPA firms with employee clients, and payroll or bookkeeping firms that serve small employers.

• Do they handle pre-tax deductions?

  Yes, the take-home calculator accepts pre-tax contributions such as 401(k) deferrals, which reduce federal income tax withholding.

• Which plan includes them?

  Network, as part of the tax topic.