More than taxes
What "take-home after deductions" really means
Your paycheck doesn't just lose money to taxes. Before and after tax, employers withhold a stack of items: 401(k) contributions, health-insurance premiums, HSA or FSA deposits, and sometimes dental, vision or commuter benefits. The pre-tax ones lower your taxable income — a real perk — but they still leave your cash paycheck. This calculator separates the two so you see the actual cash that lands in your account.
Worked example: $80,000 with benefits
Take $80,000 single, with $6,000 into a 401(k) and $3,600 of pre-tax health insurance. Those $9,600 of pre-tax deductions cut taxable income, lowering federal tax. After federal tax, Social Security and Medicare, plus those deductions leaving the check, the cash take-home is roughly $55,800 — while your 401(k) quietly grew by $6,000 on top.
Pre-tax vs. post-tax deductions
Pre-tax deductions (traditional 401(k), most health premiums, HSA) reduce taxable income. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), some disability insurance, garnishments) come out after tax and don't lower your bill. This tool models pre-tax items, which are by far the most common.
Go deeper
See how a single deduction changes your check with the paycheck after 401(k) calculator, or read our paycheck deductions explained guide.
Questions
Pay after deductions FAQ
What is take-home pay after deductions?
It is the cash that actually reaches your bank account after both taxes and other deductions — federal and state tax, Social Security, Medicare, plus 401(k), health insurance and HSA contributions. It is lower than your after-tax salary because benefits also leave the check.
Do pre-tax deductions lower my taxes?
Yes. Pre-tax deductions like a traditional 401(k), most health-insurance premiums and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income, so you pay less federal (and usually state) income tax. They still leave your cash paycheck, but they cut your tax bill.
What is the difference between pre-tax and post-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions come out before income tax is calculated, lowering your taxable income — examples are traditional 401(k), health premiums and HSA. Post-tax deductions, like Roth 401(k) or wage garnishments, come out after tax and do not reduce your tax bill.
Why is my take-home so much lower than my salary?
Because taxes and benefits both reduce it. Federal tax and FICA take 15%–25%, and 401(k), health insurance and HSA contributions take more on top. The benefit money is still yours — saved or spent on coverage — but it does not show up as spendable cash.
- Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 brackets & standard deduction) · SSA 2026 OASDI wage base ($184,500) · IRS Topic No. 751.
- 🔄 Last updated June 21, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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