General & Accuracy
Are these calculators accurate?
Our calculators use current federal tax brackets and standard FICA rates to provide close estimates. However, actual results vary based on your specific W-4 elections, state/local taxes, and pre-tax deductions. Always verify with your official pay stub.
Do I need to create an account to use the calculators?
No. All calculators on GetPaycheckPilot are 100% free to use with no registration, email, or account required.
Is my financial information saved or shared?
No. We do not store, track, or share any financial data you enter. All calculations happen locally in your browser.
How often are the tax rates updated?
We update our underlying tax formulas annually to reflect the latest IRS tax brackets and standard deduction changes.
Paycheck & Deductions
What is the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any taxes or deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive in your bank account after all deductions are subtracted.
Why is my take-home pay lower than expected?
Mandatory deductions (Federal Tax, State Tax, Social Security, Medicare) and voluntary deductions (health insurance, 401k) can easily consume 20% to 35% of your gross pay.
How do I know my federal withholding amount?
Your federal withholding is determined by the W-4 form you submitted to your employer. You can find the exact amount deducted on your most recent pay stub.
Can I change my tax withholding?
Yes, you can adjust your withholding by submitting a new W-4 form to your employer. Claiming more allowances increases your paycheck but may reduce your tax refund.
What are FICA taxes?
FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes a 6.2% tax for Social Security and a 1.45% tax for Medicare, deducted from your gross pay.
Hourly, Salary & Overtime
How do I convert hourly to salary?
Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For example, $25/hour × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks = $52,000/year.
What is the standard overtime rate?
Under federal law (FLSA), overtime is typically paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate (time-and-a-half) for hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.
Do salaried employees get overtime?
It depends on your classification. 'Exempt' salaried employees do not receive overtime. 'Non-exempt' salaried employees are legally entitled to overtime pay.
Is overtime taxed at a higher rate?
No, overtime is taxed at standard income tax rates. However, because it increases your gross income for that pay period, your employer might withhold taxes at a higher percentage.
Freelance, 1099 & Self-Employment
What is the difference between W-2 and 1099?
W-2 employees have taxes withheld by their employer and receive benefits. 1099 contractors are self-employed, pay their own taxes, and do not receive employer benefits.
How is self-employment tax calculated?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare). It is calculated on 92.35% of your net business income.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due?
Quarterly estimated tax payments are typically due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Can I deduct business expenses as a 1099 contractor?
Yes. You only pay taxes on your net profit. Deducting legitimate business expenses (home office, software, travel) lowers your taxable income.
How much more should I charge as a freelancer?
To cover self-employment taxes and lack of benefits, freelancers typically charge 30% to 50% more per hour than a comparable W-2 employee's hourly rate.