Methodology & data sources

Every number on this site comes from a public government or nonpartisan source. Here is exactly what we use and what we simplify.

Federal taxes (2026)

• Income tax brackets, standard deductions ($16,100 single / $32,200 joint / $24,150 head of household) and the $2,200 child tax credit: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32.
• Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $184,500. Medicare: 1.45% on all wages plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 joint).
• 401(k) employee deferral limit $24,500: IRS IR-2025-111.

State taxes (2026)

Rates, brackets, standard deductions and personal exemptions for all 50 states and D.C. come from the Tax Foundation's State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026, current as of January 1, 2026. California SDI (1.3%) is included. Heads of household use the single schedule at the state level.

Salaries

Wages by occupation and metro area come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, the largest wage survey in the country (about 1.1 million employers).

Cost of living

Relative price levels come from the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (U.S. average = 100). Rents come from HUD Fair Market Rents.

What we simplify

• We assume the standard deduction (no itemizing) and wage income only.
• The child tax credit is applied only up to your federal tax (the refundable portion is not added).
• We do not model state credits beyond personal-exemption and standard-deduction credits, deductions for federal tax paid, or the 2025 OBBBA deductions for tips, overtime and seniors.
• Local income taxes are applied as a flat percentage you enter.

Results are estimates for planning, not tax advice.