Disclaimer
Important information about the limitations of this calculator and the estimates it provides.
Last updated: March 2026
General Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on published federal pay tables, tax rates, and benefit contribution rates. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Actual take-home pay may differ based on individual circumstances including but not limited to OBBBA deductions (overtime, tips, senior), SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules, union dues, FSA/HSA contributions, and other factors. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to OPM, the IRS, or any federal agency. Verify deductions with your agency payroll office or a qualified financial professional.
Estimation Accuracy
The calculator uses the same pay tables, tax brackets, and benefit rates that determine actual federal paychecks. However, the calculator produces estimates, not exact paycheck amounts. Differences between estimates and actual pay may arise from several sources:
- Federal tax withholding method: The calculator uses an annualized tax liability approach based on IRS progressive brackets. Actual biweekly withholding is determined by IRS Publication 15-T percentage method tables, which can produce slightly different per-paycheck amounts. Typical difference: $0–40 per month.
- State tax simplifications: The calculator uses simplified state standard deductions and may not account for all state-specific adjustments, credits, or local taxes (such as Maryland county taxes or New York City income tax).
- FEGLI premium approximation: The calculator uses a simplified FEGLI Basic rate. Actual FEGLI premiums vary by age band.
- Mid-year changes: The calculator assumes the same inputs apply for the entire year. Mid-year changes to grade, step, locality, TSP percentage, or FEHB plan will produce different actual results.
- W-4 adjustments: The calculator assumes a standard W-4 with no additional withholding or adjustments. Employees who claim additional allowances or request extra withholding will see different actual results.
Not Financial, Tax, or Legal Advice
Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or any other form of professional advice. The information and estimates provided are for general informational and educational purposes only.
You should not make financial decisions — including decisions about TSP contributions, FEHB plan selection, filing status, or retirement planning — based solely on the output of this calculator. Consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or your agency's payroll office before making decisions that affect your compensation or benefits.
No Agency Affiliation
This website is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to:
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- The Social Security Administration (SSA)
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) / Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
- Any federal department, agency, or instrumentality
References to federal agencies, legislation, and regulations are for informational and citation purposes only and do not imply any endorsement or official connection.
Data Accuracy and Currency
All data used by this calculator is sourced from official federal publications as documented on the Methodology page. Data is verified against primary sources before publication and updated annually (or as primary sources change).
However, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or free from errors at all times. Federal pay rates, tax brackets, benefit premiums, and regulatory requirements can change. Legislative changes may alter deduction rules, contribution rates, or tax treatment. The calculator reflects the rules and rates in effect as of its last update date, shown on each page.
Legislative Changes — OBBBA and SECURE 2.0
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), signed July 4, 2025, introduced several new tax provisions that may affect federal employee take-home pay. The calculator does not currently implement the following OBBBA provisions:
- No-tax-on-overtime deduction (up to $12,500 single / $25,000 MFJ). Phases out above $150,000 / $300,000 MFJ.
- No-tax-on-tips deduction (up to $25,000 for qualifying occupations).
- Additional senior deduction ($6,000 for age 65+, phases out above $75,000 single / $150,000 MFJ).
- Enhanced child tax credit ($2,200 per qualifying child, 2025–2028).
The SECURE 2.0 Act introduced changes to TSP catch-up contributions that are not implemented in this calculator:
- Super catch-up contributions for ages 60–63 ($11,250 vs. standard $8,000).
- Mandatory Roth catch-up for employees whose prior-year FICA wages exceeded $150,000 (effective January 1, 2026).
- TSP Roth in-plan conversion.
These provisions are documented on the Methodology page. The OBBBA deductions are temporary (2025–2028) and may expire unless extended by Congress.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the creators and operators of this website disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or expense arising from the use of or reliance on this calculator, its estimates, or any information on this site. This includes direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, and punitive damages of any kind.
Use of this website is at your own risk. If you identify an error in any calculation or data, please contact us so we can investigate and correct it.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
The original content, code, design, and presentation of this website are protected by copyright. Federal pay data, tax brackets, and benefit rates are public information published by the U.S. government and are not subject to copyright.
You may use the calculator for personal, educational, or informational purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit the website's code, content, or design without permission.