Methodology

Tax year labeled 2026. Snapshot verified 2026-07-24.

Paycheck

• FICA: Social Security 6.2% up to wage base $184,500; Medicare 1.4500000000000002% (+ additional Medicare above threshold).
• Federal income tax: annual taxable income after a simplified standard deduction, then IRS-style brackets — not a full Pub 15-T wage-bracket lookup.
• State tax: flat or bracket models for supported states only. Local (city) tax is omitted.

Official sources reviewed

• IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32: 2026 federal brackets and standard deductions.
• Social Security Administration: 2026 contribution and benefit base.
• IRS Publication 15 (2026): supplemental wage and payroll withholding rules.
• IRS 401(k) contribution limits.
• Each state landing page links to its state revenue or statutory source.

Known limits

Federal income tax is an annualized planning model, not a full Form W-4 / Publication 15-T payroll lookup. State calculations omit credits, exemptions, reciprocity, disability insurance, and most local taxes unless explicitly stated.

Refinance

Break-even months ≈ closing costs ÷ monthly principal & interest savings. Escrow and lender credits are ignored.

Estimates only. Federal brackets and state models are simplified for MVP. Not tax advice. Verify against IRS Pub 15-T and state DOR before relying on numbers.