What is an effective tax rate vs. a marginal tax rate?

Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — the highest bracket you reach. Your effective tax rate is your actual average rate: total federal tax paid divided by gross income. Because the US uses progressive brackets, your effective rate is always lower than your marginal rate. For example, a $85,000 single filer has a 22% marginal rate but an effective rate of about 14.5%.

Should I use gross or net salary when negotiating?

Employers discuss and compare salaries in gross (pre-tax) terms. Always negotiate and compare salaries on a gross basis. However, when budgeting your actual living expenses, use your net (after-tax) pay — what this calculator shows you. The gap between the two is often 25–35% for typical US income levels.

How does filing status affect my take-home pay?

Filing status determines your standard deduction amount and which tax brackets apply. Married filing jointly provides a larger standard deduction ($30,000 vs. $15,000 for single in 2026) and wider tax brackets, typically resulting in a lower tax bill for dual-income households or single-earner married couples. Head of household falls between single and married filing jointly.

Salary After Tax Calculator

Find out exactly how much of your annual salary you actually take home.

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Annual Salary

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Annual Pre-Tax Deductions

401(k), HSA, health insurance premiums, etc.

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Your Salary After Tax

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$85,000 annual — Single — No state tax — 2026 rates

Accuracy & Methodology

Our calculators use current US tax rates and standard financial formulas. Results are estimates intended for planning purposes and do not constitute financial advice. Learn about our methodology ›

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