This page is about one simple question TakeHomeNow answers: how much of my salary will I actually keep? We turn complicated tax rules into clear numbers, for every salary, every pay period and every region we cover.
Our mission
Most people know their gross salary but not what reaches their bank account. Tax brackets, payroll contributions, state and provincial taxes and pension deductions make a payslip hard to read. We believe everyone should be able to see their real pay in seconds, without signing up, paying or handing over personal information.
Whether you are comparing job offers, negotiating a raise, planning a move to another state or province, or simply budgeting for next month, our calculators show you exactly where each dollar or pound goes.
What we offer
Countries we cover
| Country | Tax year | What we calculate | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2026 | Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax, state personal credits, state payroll programs (SDI, PFML, UI), Maryland and Indiana county taxes | 50 states + DC |
| United Kingdom | 2026/27 | Income Tax (including Scottish rates), Class 1 National Insurance, student loans (Plans 1, 2, 4, 5, Postgraduate), pension contributions | England, Wales & NI · Scotland |
| Canada | 2026 | Federal and provincial income tax, non-refundable credits, CPP/CPP2, QPP, EI, QPIP, Ontario surtax, Health Premium and tax reduction, BC tax reduction, Quebec employment deduction, RRSP | 10 provinces + 3 territories |
| Australia | 2026-27 | Resident income tax, low income tax offset, Medicare levy, HELP repayments, superannuation guarantee, salary sacrifice | All states and territories |
Start with the US paycheck calculator, the UK take-home pay calculator, the Canada income tax calculator or the Australia pay calculator.
How we keep our numbers accurate
Every figure on TakeHomeNow is produced by our own tax engine, which applies the official rates, thresholds and deductions published by each tax authority. We do not estimate from averages: each calculation follows the same steps a payroll system would.
- We update the tax rules for every new tax year and when governments change rates mid-year.
- We test the engine against worked examples published by tax authorities.
- When a reader reports a difference, we investigate it and correct the rule if needed.
Read our full methodology and our editorial guidelines.
Independence and advertising
TakeHomeNow is free to use because it is funded by advertising. Advertisers have no influence on our calculations, rankings or articles. We do not sell your personal data, and our calculators do not require an account.
Who runs TakeHomeNow
TakeHomeNow is run by Mark Mendo, who edits every calculator and guide on the site. Mark maintains the tax data behind the calculators for all four countries, updates it when governments change rates or thresholds, and checks each figure against official sources (the IRS, HMRC, the Canada Revenue Agency and the Australian Taxation Office) before it is published.
Found a figure that looks wrong? Use the contact page: every report is reviewed and corrections are logged as described in our editorial guidelines.
Get in touch
Found an error, or have an idea for a new calculator? We read every message. Contact us.
About our calculators and guides in practice
This section is about how the site fits together, so you can find the right tool quickly. The four country hubs, for the US, the UK, Canada and Australia, each start with an interactive calculator. Below it, you find ready-made pages for common salaries and hourly wages, comparisons between regions and the guides that explain the rules behind the numbers.
The calculators and the guides share one tax engine. When an article says what a salary leaves after tax, the figure comes from the same rules as the calculator, so the two always agree. If the rules change during the year, both are updated together.
What we are, and what we are not
TakeHomeNow is an information website. Our results are estimates for a single employee with one job, based on the rules and assumptions described in our methodology. We are not a tax adviser, an accountant, a payroll provider or a government service, and we cannot see your tax account or your payslip.
That means we are a good place to understand how your pay is taxed, compare scenarios and plan a budget. For questions about your own tax account, a notice you received or a refund, your tax authority is the right contact:
- United States: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- United Kingdom: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Canada: the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Australia: the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
For advice about your personal situation, a qualified tax professional who knows your circumstances is the best option.
Who uses TakeHomeNow
- Job seekers comparing offers in different cities, states or provinces.
- Employees checking a payslip, planning a pension contribution or thinking about a raise.
- People moving to another region or country who want to know what the same salary is worth there.
- Anyone budgeting who needs a monthly or per-paycheck figure rather than an annual salary.
Frequently asked questions about TakeHomeNow
Is TakeHomeNow free?
Yes. The calculators, ready-made pages and guides are free to use and do not require an account. The site is funded by advertising, and advertisers have no influence on our calculations or articles.
Do you store the salary I enter?
No. Your inputs are used only to calculate the result and are not linked to your identity. Our privacy policy explains what information we collect and why.
Why does my payslip differ from the calculator?
Payroll benefits, tax codes, withholding choices, credits claimed on a tax return and some local taxes are not part of a standard calculation. The methodology lists what is included and excluded, which usually explains the difference.
How can I report a mistake?
Send us the page, the salary and the result you expected through the contact page. We check every report and correct the rule when needed.