Texas payroll · 2026
Texas paycheck calculator.
Texas has no state income tax, so the only taxes taken from a Texas paycheck are federal income tax withholding and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Everything runs in your browser.
Your pay
Estimated Texas paycheck (2026)
Texas worked example
- Gross pay $2,800.00 (every two weeks, single), minus $90.00 section 125 and $140.00 traditional 401(k) = $230.00 pre-tax.
- Federal income tax withholding (IRS Pub. 15-T percentage method): $225.78.
- Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45% of $2,710.00: $168.02 and $39.30.
- Texas state tax: $0.00.
- Take-home: $2,136.90 per pay period, about $55,559 a year. Total taxes are 15.47% of gross.
Federal income tax uses Form W-4 (2020 or later) with the Step 2 box unchecked and no Step 3 or Step 4 entries; use the U.S. paycheck calculator if you need those.
Texas take-home pay at common salaries
Single filer, paid every two weeks, no pre-tax deductions. Annual figures after federal tax, FICA and the state items this page models.
| Salary | Texas take-home / year | California take-home / year | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $34,320 | $33,159 | +$1,161 |
| $60,000 | $50,390 | $47,806 | +$2,583 |
| $80,000 | $65,110 | $60,555 | +$4,554 |
| $100,000 | $79,180 | $72,320 | +$6,860 |
| $150,000 | $113,791 | $101,165 | +$12,626 |
How it is calculated
Federal withholding is IRS Publication 15-T (2026) Worksheet 1A for a Form W-4 from 2020 or later: annualise taxable wages, subtract the $8,600 standard amount ($12,900 if married filing jointly), apply the annual percentage-method table, and divide by pay periods. Social Security is 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, Medicare is 1.45% with no limit, and Additional Medicare Tax is 0.9% beyond $200,000 in the year (IRS Publication 15, 2026). Texas adds no state line because the state sources below describe no state tax on wages. Local taxes, if any, are not modelled. Not covered: W-4s from 2019 or earlier, bonuses and other supplemental wages (flat-rate rules apply), local taxes unless stated, and wage bracket method rounding.
Sources and as-of dates
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: “Texas has no state income tax”
- IRS Publication 15-T (2026), Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- IRS Publication 15 (2026), Employer’s Tax Guide
- Figures retrieved October 2026. Federal and state agencies republish these tables each year; this tool covers 2026 only.
FAQ
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. The Texas Comptroller states that Texas has no state income tax, so this calculator withholds no Texas income tax. Your paycheck still has federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taken out.
What comes out of a Texas paycheck?
Federal income tax withholding based on your Form W-4, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500 of 2026 wages), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000), and any benefit deductions you elect, such as health premiums or a 401(k).
How does Texas take-home pay compare with California?
For a single filer paid $65,000 a year every two weeks with no pre-tax deductions, this calculator gives about $54,408 a year in Texas and $51,391 in California, $3,017 more in Texas. See the full list on the paycheck calculator by state.
Why does my real paycheck differ from this estimate?
Employers may use the wage bracket method, round differently, apply your exact Form W-4 and state withholding certificate, and withhold local, benefit and other amounts this tool does not model. Treat the result as an estimate, not tax advice.
Does a 401(k) deferral lower Social Security and Medicare tax?
No. Per IRS Publication 15, elective 401(k) deferrals are exempt from federal income tax withholding but remain subject to Social Security and Medicare tax. Section 125 cafeteria-plan benefits such as health premiums generally are not.
When does Social Security tax stop?
After an employee’s wages for the year reach the 2026 wage base limit of $184,500. Enter wages already paid this year to see the cap applied to this check. Medicare has no limit; Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies above $200,000.