How it works
The calculator starts from your gross pay for the year and takes out, in order: pre-tax 401(k) and health insurance, federal income tax (2026 brackets after the standard deduction, minus $2,200 per child and $500 per other dependent), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% above $200,000), and state and local taxes. Then it divides by the number of paychecks in a year.
Take-home = gross − pre-tax deductions − federal tax − Social Security − Medicare − state and local taxes
New Jersey income tax uses the state's rate schedules ($1,000 exemption per adult, $1,500 per dependent). Also takes off 2026 worker contributions: unemployment 0.425% (first $44,800), disability 0.19% and family leave 0.23% (first $171,100).
Worked example
A single worker in New Jersey earning $60,000 a year, paid every two weeks, no 401(k): federal income tax $5,020, Social Security $3,720, Medicare $870, New Jersey tax about $1,767 a year and UI, DI and FLI $442. Take-home is about $1,853.09 per paycheck.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Jersey income tax rate in 2026?
1.4% to 10.75%. Most middle incomes pay 5.525% or 6.37% on their top dollars.
What are NJ UI, DI and FLI on my paycheck?
Worker payroll taxes for unemployment (0.425% of the first $44,800), disability (0.19%) and family leave insurance (0.23%), both on the first $171,100 in 2026.
Does New Jersey tax my 401(k)?
No, traditional 401(k) contributions are excluded from NJ wages. Some other pre-tax benefits are taxed by New Jersey, so your stub can differ a little.
Is this paycheck calculator exact?
No, it's an estimate. It uses 2026 tax tables and the standard deduction, but your real paycheck also depends on your W-4, other deductions and your employer's payroll system.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage limit?
$184,500. Social Security tax (6.2%) stops once you've earned that much in the year. Medicare (1.45%) has no limit, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000.
How much is the 2026 standard deduction?
$16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of household.