H-1B Paycheck Calculator 2026: Federal, FICA and State Tax
See what you take home from an H-1B salary after federal withholding, Social Security, Medicare and state tax, for any pay frequency.
H-1B Paycheck Calculator 2026
Resident or nonresident alien? Why it changes your paycheck
- Most H-1B workers become resident aliens for tax purposes under the substantial presence test, usually from their first full calendar year in the U.S. They withhold like U.S. citizens.
- An H-1B worker who is still a nonresident alien pays Social Security and Medicare, but must withhold federal income tax as single, with an extra $16,100 added to wages (IRS Notice 1392).
- F-1 students on OPT who are nonresident aliens are exempt from Social Security and Medicare under IRC 3121(b)(19), generally for their first five calendar years in the U.S.
Estimate for tax year 2026, not tax advice. Updated November 6, 2026. Federal withholding uses the IRS Pub 15-T annual percentage method for the 2020-and-later Form W-4, without dependents, extra withholding or other adjustments. State income tax is shown as your estimated annual state tax divided across paychecks, not the state's own withholding tables, and uses the standard deduction and personal exemption only (no dependents, itemizing or credits except where noted). Some states tax 401(k) or HSA contributions that the federal system does not, so those states may run higher than shown. City, county and school-district taxes are not included except New York City and the Maryland county default. Not fully verified or not yet on 2026 figures: California (2025), Maryland (2026). Sources: IRS Publication 15-T, IRS Notice 1392.
How your H-1B paycheck is calculated
Your employer starts from gross pay for the period and subtracts pre-tax items such as 401(k), HSA and health premiums. Federal income tax is withheld using the IRS percentage method and the information on your Form W-4. Social Security (6.2% up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000) are then taken from your wages after health and HSA deductions, but not after 401(k).
State income tax and state-run disability or paid-leave programs come last. A handful of states, including Texas, Florida and Washington, have no tax on wages, but Washington still charges payroll premiums for paid leave and long-term care.
Frequently asked questions
Do H-1B workers pay Social Security and Medicare?
Yes. H-1B workers pay FICA from their first paycheck, whether they are resident or nonresident aliens for income tax. Only certain F-1, J-1, M-1 and Q visa holders who are nonresident aliens are exempt.
Why does my actual paycheck differ from this estimate?
Your W-4 choices (dependents, extra withholding, other income), employer benefit deductions, bonuses taxed at the supplemental rate and local taxes all change the real figure. States also use their own withholding tables, while this tool spreads your estimated annual state tax evenly across paychecks.
Does a 401(k) reduce Social Security and Medicare tax?
No. 401(k) deferrals reduce income tax only. HSA contributions through payroll and Section 125 health premiums reduce both income tax and FICA.
What is the extra $16,100 for nonresident aliens?
The IRS adds it to a nonresident alien's wages when computing withholding, because nonresidents cannot claim the standard deduction. It affects withholding only; your actual tax is settled on your return.
How current are the figures?
Federal tables are the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T and Publication 15 figures. State figures use each state's 2026 schedule where published; the note under the calculator lists any that do not. Last verified: 2026-11-06.