The amount of taxes deducted from your paycheck depends on several factors including your income, filing status, and the information you provide on your Form W-4.
Types of Taxes Deducted from Paycheck
- Federal Income Tax: Employers withhold federal income tax based on IRS tax tables and your W-4 form. The federal tax rates for 2024-2025 range from 10% to 37%, applied progressively based on income brackets
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% of your wages are withheld for Social Security tax up to a wage base limit, which is $176,100 for 2025. Employers also pay an additional 6.2%
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% of your wages are withheld for Medicare tax with no wage limit. Employers also contribute 1.45%. Higher earners may pay an additional Medicare surtax
How Much Is Deducted?
- For example, if you earn $1,000 in a paycheck, $62 (6.2%) is withheld for Social Security and $14.50 (1.45%) for Medicare, totaling $76.50 in payroll taxes
- Federal income tax withholding varies based on your income and W-4 details. The IRS provides withholding tables and an online Tax Withholding Estimator to help calculate this amount accurately
Summary
- Total payroll taxes (Social Security + Medicare) are generally 7.65% of your paycheck up to the Social Security wage limit
- Federal income tax withholding depends on your income, filing status, and W-4 allowances, with rates from 10% to 37% applied progressively
- State and local taxes may also be withheld depending on where you live, but 9 states have no state income tax for 2024-2025
To know exactly how much tax will be deducted from your paycheck, you can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or paycheck calculators available online, entering your specific income and filing details
