How ExactTakeHome Works
Privacy-first paycheck math — entirely in your browser.
Your data never leaves your browser
When you enter a salary, state, or deduction amount, the calculation runs locally with JavaScript on your device. ExactTakeHome does not send those inputs to our servers. Many online calculators transmit your pay details to a backend for processing — we do not.
How we calculate your taxes
Federal: IRS Publication 15-T withholding tables, standard deduction, and FICA rates for 2026.
State: Official Department of Revenue publications for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Pre-tax deductions: Traditional 401(k) reduces federal and most state income tax but not FICA; Section 125 benefits (HSA, FSA, health insurance premiums) reduce federal, state, and FICA wages.
How often we update
We refresh federal and state tax data at the start of each calendar year when IRS and state publications are released, and mid-year when legislation changes published rates.
Our accuracy commitment
ExactTakeHome is a YMYL finance tool. We do not guess tax rates — every value is tied to a primary source. Read our full standards on the Editorial Policy page.