Netwise Paycheck Calculator

Use this when the user asks 'how much is my paycheck after taxes', wants a paycheck calculator or take home pay calculator for a US job in 2026, or asks what a salary or hourly wage is after tax (e.g. '85k salary after taxes in California', 'what is 75000 a year biweekly after taxes', '$22 an hour 40 hours', 'how much tax comes out of my paycheck'). Computes federal income tax withholding with the IRS Pub. 15-T 2026 percentage method and Form W-4 inputs, Social Security, Medicare, Additional Medicare, state income tax and state payroll taxes (e.g. CA SDI, NJ FLI, WA Cares), pre-tax 401(k)/HSA/health premiums, net pay per check and per year, and effective rates. Returns a PDF estimate and a CSV with one row per 2026 paycheck. Does not run payroll, file tax returns, or produce pay stubs. Do not use to make a pay stub or proof of income.

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "annual_salary": {
      "description": "Yearly salary before taxes in USD, e.g. 85000. Give this, or hourly_rate, or gross_per_paycheck.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hourly_rate": {
      "description": "Hourly wage in USD, e.g. 22 for $22 an hour. Combine with hours_per_week.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hours_per_week": {
      "description": "Regular hours worked per week for hourly pay, e.g. 40. Defaults to 40.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "overtime_hours_per_week": {
      "description": "Overtime hours per week paid at overtime_multiplier, e.g. 5. Defaults to 0.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "overtime_multiplier": {
      "description": "Overtime pay multiplier, e.g. 1.5 for time-and-a-half (default) or 2 for double time.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "gross_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "Gross pay per paycheck in USD before any deductions, e.g. 3200. Use instead of a salary or hourly rate.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "pay_frequency": {
      "description": "How often you are paid: weekly (52), biweekly (26, every two weeks, default), semimonthly (24, twice a month), monthly (12).",
      "type": "string",
      "enum": [
        "weekly",
        "biweekly",
        "semimonthly",
        "monthly"
      ]
    },
    "filing_status": {
      "description": "Form W-4 Step 1(c) filing status: single (or married filing separately, default), married (filing jointly), head_of_household.",
      "type": "string",
      "enum": [
        "single",
        "married",
        "head_of_household"
      ]
    },
    "w4_step2_checked": {
      "description": "True if the Form W-4 Step 2 box is checked (two jobs, or married and the spouse also works). Default false.",
      "type": "boolean"
    },
    "children_under_17": {
      "description": "Qualifying children under 17 for W-4 Step 3 ($2,200 each in 2026), e.g. 2. Ignored if w4_step3_amount is given.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "other_dependents": {
      "description": "Other dependents for W-4 Step 3 ($500 each), e.g. 1.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "w4_step3_amount": {
      "description": "Total dollar amount on W-4 Step 3 (dependents and other credits), e.g. 4400.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4a_other_income": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(a) other income per year (not from jobs), e.g. 2000.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4b_deductions": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(b) deductions per year, e.g. 5000.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4c_extra_withholding": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(c) extra federal withholding per paycheck, e.g. 50.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "claim_overtime_deduction": {
      "description": "True to add the 2026 qualified overtime deduction (the 'half' of time-and-a-half, up to $12,500 or $25,000 married) to W-4 Step 4(b), as the 2026 W-4 worksheet allows. Needs hourly_rate and overtime hours.",
      "type": "boolean"
    },
    "k401_percent": {
      "description": "Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) or 403(b) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 6 for 6%.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "k401_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "Traditional 401(k) contribution in dollars per paycheck, e.g. 200. Use instead of k401_percent.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "roth_401k_percent": {
      "description": "Roth 401(k) (after-tax) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 4.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hsa_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "HSA contribution through payroll per paycheck in USD, e.g. 75.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "health_insurance_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "Pre-tax (section 125) health, dental and vision premiums and FSA per paycheck in USD, e.g. 120.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "state": {
      "description": "US state where you work and live, as a code or name, e.g. CA, Texas, New Jersey, NYC. Omit for federal only.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 60
    },
    "locality": {
      "description": "Optional local tax area where the state supports it, e.g. nyc, yonkers, philadelphia, or a Maryland or Indiana county such as montgomery or marion.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 40
    },
    "state_allowances": {
      "description": "Allowances or exemptions claimed on the state withholding form (state W-4), e.g. 1. Defaults depend on the state.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "state_filing_status": {
      "description": "State withholding form status when it differs from the federal one, e.g. NJ 'B', CT 'A', AZ '2.0' (percent). Usually omit.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 30
    },
    "state_additional_withholding": {
      "description": "Extra state withholding per paycheck in USD, e.g. 20.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "ytd_gross_before_this_check": {
      "description": "Gross pay already received from this job earlier in 2026, e.g. 150000. Only matters near the Social Security wage base or the $200,000 Additional Medicare threshold.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "label": {
      "description": "Short name for this scenario, e.g. 'Austin offer' or '401k at 10%'.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 40
    }
  },
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "additionalProperties": false
}

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "label": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "state": {
      "type": [
        "string",
        "null"
      ]
    },
    "state_supported": {
      "type": "boolean"
    },
    "state_method": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "pay_frequency": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "checks_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "gross_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "net_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "gross_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "net_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "taxes_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "taxes_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "lines": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "properties": {
          "label": {
            "type": "string"
          },
          "kind": {
            "type": "string"
          },
          "per_check": {
            "type": "number"
          },
          "per_year": {
            "type": "number"
          }
        },
        "required": [
          "label",
          "kind",
          "per_check",
          "per_year"
        ],
        "additionalProperties": false
      }
    },
    "effective_tax_rate": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "effective_federal_rate": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "effective_state_rate": {
      "type": [
        "number",
        "null"
      ]
    },
    "federal_bracket": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "notes": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "string"
      }
    },
    "downloads": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "pdf": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "csv": {
          "type": "string"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "pdf",
        "csv"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "label",
    "state",
    "state_supported",
    "state_method",
    "pay_frequency",
    "checks_per_year",
    "gross_per_check",
    "net_per_check",
    "gross_per_year",
    "net_per_year",
    "taxes_per_check",
    "taxes_per_year",
    "lines",
    "effective_tax_rate",
    "effective_federal_rate",
    "effective_state_rate",
    "federal_bracket",
    "notes",
    "downloads"
  ],
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "additionalProperties": false
}

Use this when the user wants to compare take-home pay for two US paycheck scenarios in 2026 side by side: 'should I take the job in Texas or California after taxes', two job offers in different states or cities, a raise, a different pay frequency, or 'how much more per paycheck if I raise my 401k to 10%'. Give scenario a in full and scenario b with only the fields that change (everything else is copied from a). Returns both breakdowns (federal withholding, FICA, state taxes, net per check and per year) and the difference, plus a side-by-side PDF and a CSV. Does not compare cost of living, benefits, or run payroll.

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "a": {
      "description": "Scenario A in full, e.g. {annual_salary: 95000, state: 'TX', pay_frequency: 'biweekly', label: 'Austin'}.",
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "annual_salary": {
          "description": "Yearly salary before taxes in USD, e.g. 85000. Give this, or hourly_rate, or gross_per_paycheck.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "hourly_rate": {
          "description": "Hourly wage in USD, e.g. 22 for $22 an hour. Combine with hours_per_week.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "hours_per_week": {
          "description": "Regular hours worked per week for hourly pay, e.g. 40. Defaults to 40.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "overtime_hours_per_week": {
          "description": "Overtime hours per week paid at overtime_multiplier, e.g. 5. Defaults to 0.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "overtime_multiplier": {
          "description": "Overtime pay multiplier, e.g. 1.5 for time-and-a-half (default) or 2 for double time.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Gross pay per paycheck in USD before any deductions, e.g. 3200. Use instead of a salary or hourly rate.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "pay_frequency": {
          "description": "How often you are paid: weekly (52), biweekly (26, every two weeks, default), semimonthly (24, twice a month), monthly (12).",
          "type": "string",
          "enum": [
            "weekly",
            "biweekly",
            "semimonthly",
            "monthly"
          ]
        },
        "filing_status": {
          "description": "Form W-4 Step 1(c) filing status: single (or married filing separately, default), married (filing jointly), head_of_household.",
          "type": "string",
          "enum": [
            "single",
            "married",
            "head_of_household"
          ]
        },
        "w4_step2_checked": {
          "description": "True if the Form W-4 Step 2 box is checked (two jobs, or married and the spouse also works). Default false.",
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "children_under_17": {
          "description": "Qualifying children under 17 for W-4 Step 3 ($2,200 each in 2026), e.g. 2. Ignored if w4_step3_amount is given.",
          "type": "integer",
          "minimum": -9007199254740991,
          "maximum": 9007199254740991
        },
        "other_dependents": {
          "description": "Other dependents for W-4 Step 3 ($500 each), e.g. 1.",
          "type": "integer",
          "minimum": -9007199254740991,
          "maximum": 9007199254740991
        },
        "w4_step3_amount": {
          "description": "Total dollar amount on W-4 Step 3 (dependents and other credits), e.g. 4400.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "w4_step4a_other_income": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(a) other income per year (not from jobs), e.g. 2000.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "w4_step4b_deductions": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(b) deductions per year, e.g. 5000.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "w4_step4c_extra_withholding": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(c) extra federal withholding per paycheck, e.g. 50.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "claim_overtime_deduction": {
          "description": "True to add the 2026 qualified overtime deduction (the 'half' of time-and-a-half, up to $12,500 or $25,000 married) to W-4 Step 4(b), as the 2026 W-4 worksheet allows. Needs hourly_rate and overtime hours.",
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "k401_percent": {
          "description": "Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) or 403(b) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 6 for 6%.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "k401_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Traditional 401(k) contribution in dollars per paycheck, e.g. 200. Use instead of k401_percent.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "roth_401k_percent": {
          "description": "Roth 401(k) (after-tax) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 4.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "hsa_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "HSA contribution through payroll per paycheck in USD, e.g. 75.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "health_insurance_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Pre-tax (section 125) health, dental and vision premiums and FSA per paycheck in USD, e.g. 120.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "state": {
          "description": "US state where you work and live, as a code or name, e.g. CA, Texas, New Jersey, NYC. Omit for federal only.",
          "type": "string",
          "maxLength": 60
        },
        "locality": {
          "description": "Optional local tax area where the state supports it, e.g. nyc, yonkers, philadelphia, or a Maryland or Indiana county such as montgomery or marion.",
          "type": "string",
          "maxLength": 40
        },
        "state_allowances": {
          "description": "Allowances or exemptions claimed on the state withholding form (state W-4), e.g. 1. Defaults depend on the state.",
          "type": "integer",
          "minimum": -9007199254740991,
          "maximum": 9007199254740991
        },
        "state_filing_status": {
          "description": "State withholding form status when it differs from the federal one, e.g. NJ 'B', CT 'A', AZ '2.0' (percent). Usually omit.",
          "type": "string",
          "maxLength": 30
        },
        "state_additional_withholding": {
          "description": "Extra state withholding per paycheck in USD, e.g. 20.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "ytd_gross_before_this_check": {
          "description": "Gross pay already received from this job earlier in 2026, e.g. 150000. Only matters near the Social Security wage base or the $200,000 Additional Medicare threshold.",
          "type": "number"
        },
        "label": {
          "description": "Short name for this scenario, e.g. 'Austin offer' or '401k at 10%'.",
          "type": "string",
          "maxLength": 40
        }
      },
      "additionalProperties": false
    },
    "b": {
      "description": "Scenario B: only the fields that differ from A, e.g. {annual_salary: 110000, state: 'NY', locality: 'nyc', label: 'NYC'}. Set a field to null to remove it from B.",
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "annual_salary": {
          "description": "Yearly salary before taxes in USD, e.g. 85000. Give this, or hourly_rate, or gross_per_paycheck.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "hourly_rate": {
          "description": "Hourly wage in USD, e.g. 22 for $22 an hour. Combine with hours_per_week.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "hours_per_week": {
          "description": "Regular hours worked per week for hourly pay, e.g. 40. Defaults to 40.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "overtime_hours_per_week": {
          "description": "Overtime hours per week paid at overtime_multiplier, e.g. 5. Defaults to 0.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "overtime_multiplier": {
          "description": "Overtime pay multiplier, e.g. 1.5 for time-and-a-half (default) or 2 for double time.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "gross_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Gross pay per paycheck in USD before any deductions, e.g. 3200. Use instead of a salary or hourly rate.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "pay_frequency": {
          "description": "How often you are paid: weekly (52), biweekly (26, every two weeks, default), semimonthly (24, twice a month), monthly (12).",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "enum": [
                "weekly",
                "biweekly",
                "semimonthly",
                "monthly"
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "filing_status": {
          "description": "Form W-4 Step 1(c) filing status: single (or married filing separately, default), married (filing jointly), head_of_household.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "enum": [
                "single",
                "married",
                "head_of_household"
              ]
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "w4_step2_checked": {
          "description": "True if the Form W-4 Step 2 box is checked (two jobs, or married and the spouse also works). Default false.",
          "type": [
            "boolean",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "children_under_17": {
          "description": "Qualifying children under 17 for W-4 Step 3 ($2,200 each in 2026), e.g. 2. Ignored if w4_step3_amount is given.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "integer",
              "minimum": -9007199254740991,
              "maximum": 9007199254740991
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "other_dependents": {
          "description": "Other dependents for W-4 Step 3 ($500 each), e.g. 1.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "integer",
              "minimum": -9007199254740991,
              "maximum": 9007199254740991
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "w4_step3_amount": {
          "description": "Total dollar amount on W-4 Step 3 (dependents and other credits), e.g. 4400.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "w4_step4a_other_income": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(a) other income per year (not from jobs), e.g. 2000.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "w4_step4b_deductions": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(b) deductions per year, e.g. 5000.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "w4_step4c_extra_withholding": {
          "description": "W-4 Step 4(c) extra federal withholding per paycheck, e.g. 50.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "claim_overtime_deduction": {
          "description": "True to add the 2026 qualified overtime deduction (the 'half' of time-and-a-half, up to $12,500 or $25,000 married) to W-4 Step 4(b), as the 2026 W-4 worksheet allows. Needs hourly_rate and overtime hours.",
          "type": [
            "boolean",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "k401_percent": {
          "description": "Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) or 403(b) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 6 for 6%.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "k401_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Traditional 401(k) contribution in dollars per paycheck, e.g. 200. Use instead of k401_percent.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "roth_401k_percent": {
          "description": "Roth 401(k) (after-tax) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 4.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "hsa_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "HSA contribution through payroll per paycheck in USD, e.g. 75.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "health_insurance_per_paycheck": {
          "description": "Pre-tax (section 125) health, dental and vision premiums and FSA per paycheck in USD, e.g. 120.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "state": {
          "description": "US state where you work and live, as a code or name, e.g. CA, Texas, New Jersey, NYC. Omit for federal only.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 60
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "locality": {
          "description": "Optional local tax area where the state supports it, e.g. nyc, yonkers, philadelphia, or a Maryland or Indiana county such as montgomery or marion.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 40
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "state_allowances": {
          "description": "Allowances or exemptions claimed on the state withholding form (state W-4), e.g. 1. Defaults depend on the state.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "integer",
              "minimum": -9007199254740991,
              "maximum": 9007199254740991
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "state_filing_status": {
          "description": "State withholding form status when it differs from the federal one, e.g. NJ 'B', CT 'A', AZ '2.0' (percent). Usually omit.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 30
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        },
        "state_additional_withholding": {
          "description": "Extra state withholding per paycheck in USD, e.g. 20.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "ytd_gross_before_this_check": {
          "description": "Gross pay already received from this job earlier in 2026, e.g. 150000. Only matters near the Social Security wage base or the $200,000 Additional Medicare threshold.",
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "label": {
          "description": "Short name for this scenario, e.g. 'Austin offer' or '401k at 10%'.",
          "anyOf": [
            {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 40
            },
            {
              "type": "null"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      "additionalProperties": false
    }
  },
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
}

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "a": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "label": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "state": {
          "type": [
            "string",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "state_supported": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "state_method": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "pay_frequency": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "checks_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "net_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "net_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "taxes_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "taxes_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "lines": {
          "type": "array",
          "items": {
            "type": "object",
            "properties": {
              "label": {
                "type": "string"
              },
              "kind": {
                "type": "string"
              },
              "per_check": {
                "type": "number"
              },
              "per_year": {
                "type": "number"
              }
            },
            "required": [
              "label",
              "kind",
              "per_check",
              "per_year"
            ],
            "additionalProperties": false
          }
        },
        "effective_tax_rate": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "effective_federal_rate": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "effective_state_rate": {
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "federal_bracket": {
          "type": "number"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "label",
        "state",
        "state_supported",
        "state_method",
        "pay_frequency",
        "checks_per_year",
        "gross_per_check",
        "net_per_check",
        "gross_per_year",
        "net_per_year",
        "taxes_per_check",
        "taxes_per_year",
        "lines",
        "effective_tax_rate",
        "effective_federal_rate",
        "effective_state_rate",
        "federal_bracket"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    },
    "b": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "label": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "state": {
          "type": [
            "string",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "state_supported": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "state_method": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "pay_frequency": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "checks_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "net_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "net_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "taxes_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "taxes_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "lines": {
          "type": "array",
          "items": {
            "type": "object",
            "properties": {
              "label": {
                "type": "string"
              },
              "kind": {
                "type": "string"
              },
              "per_check": {
                "type": "number"
              },
              "per_year": {
                "type": "number"
              }
            },
            "required": [
              "label",
              "kind",
              "per_check",
              "per_year"
            ],
            "additionalProperties": false
          }
        },
        "effective_tax_rate": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "effective_federal_rate": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "effective_state_rate": {
          "type": [
            "number",
            "null"
          ]
        },
        "federal_bracket": {
          "type": "number"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "label",
        "state",
        "state_supported",
        "state_method",
        "pay_frequency",
        "checks_per_year",
        "gross_per_check",
        "net_per_check",
        "gross_per_year",
        "net_per_year",
        "taxes_per_check",
        "taxes_per_year",
        "lines",
        "effective_tax_rate",
        "effective_federal_rate",
        "effective_state_rate",
        "federal_bracket"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    },
    "difference": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "net_per_check": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "net_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "taxes_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        },
        "gross_per_year": {
          "type": "number"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "net_per_check",
        "net_per_year",
        "taxes_per_year",
        "gross_per_year"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    },
    "notes": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "string"
      }
    },
    "downloads": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "pdf": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "csv": {
          "type": "string"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "pdf",
        "csv"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "a",
    "b",
    "difference",
    "notes",
    "downloads"
  ],
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "additionalProperties": false
}

Use this when the user knows the take-home pay they want and asks what salary or hourly rate they need in 2026, e.g. 'what salary do I need to take home $5,000 a month in New Jersey' or 'gross up $2,000 net biweekly'. Solves for the gross pay whose net pay after federal withholding, FICA, state taxes and the given deductions meets the target, using the same 2026 rules as calculate_paycheck. Returns the annual salary, the gross per check, the hourly equivalent if hours_per_week is given, and the full breakdown. Does not gross up bonuses or supplemental wages.

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "target_net_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "Wanted take-home pay per paycheck in USD, e.g. 2000.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "target_net_per_year": {
      "description": "Wanted take-home pay per year in USD, e.g. 60000. Use instead of target_net_per_paycheck.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hours_per_week": {
      "description": "Regular hours worked per week for hourly pay, e.g. 40. Defaults to 40.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "pay_frequency": {
      "description": "How often you are paid: weekly (52), biweekly (26, every two weeks, default), semimonthly (24, twice a month), monthly (12).",
      "type": "string",
      "enum": [
        "weekly",
        "biweekly",
        "semimonthly",
        "monthly"
      ]
    },
    "filing_status": {
      "description": "Form W-4 Step 1(c) filing status: single (or married filing separately, default), married (filing jointly), head_of_household.",
      "type": "string",
      "enum": [
        "single",
        "married",
        "head_of_household"
      ]
    },
    "w4_step2_checked": {
      "description": "True if the Form W-4 Step 2 box is checked (two jobs, or married and the spouse also works). Default false.",
      "type": "boolean"
    },
    "children_under_17": {
      "description": "Qualifying children under 17 for W-4 Step 3 ($2,200 each in 2026), e.g. 2. Ignored if w4_step3_amount is given.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "other_dependents": {
      "description": "Other dependents for W-4 Step 3 ($500 each), e.g. 1.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "w4_step3_amount": {
      "description": "Total dollar amount on W-4 Step 3 (dependents and other credits), e.g. 4400.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4a_other_income": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(a) other income per year (not from jobs), e.g. 2000.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4b_deductions": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(b) deductions per year, e.g. 5000.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "w4_step4c_extra_withholding": {
      "description": "W-4 Step 4(c) extra federal withholding per paycheck, e.g. 50.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "k401_percent": {
      "description": "Traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) or 403(b) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 6 for 6%.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "roth_401k_percent": {
      "description": "Roth 401(k) (after-tax) contribution as a percent of gross pay, e.g. 4.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hsa_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "HSA contribution through payroll per paycheck in USD, e.g. 75.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "health_insurance_per_paycheck": {
      "description": "Pre-tax (section 125) health, dental and vision premiums and FSA per paycheck in USD, e.g. 120.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "state": {
      "description": "US state where you work and live, as a code or name, e.g. CA, Texas, New Jersey, NYC. Omit for federal only.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 60
    },
    "locality": {
      "description": "Optional local tax area where the state supports it, e.g. nyc, yonkers, philadelphia, or a Maryland or Indiana county such as montgomery or marion.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 40
    },
    "state_allowances": {
      "description": "Allowances or exemptions claimed on the state withholding form (state W-4), e.g. 1. Defaults depend on the state.",
      "type": "integer",
      "minimum": -9007199254740991,
      "maximum": 9007199254740991
    },
    "state_filing_status": {
      "description": "State withholding form status when it differs from the federal one, e.g. NJ 'B', CT 'A', AZ '2.0' (percent). Usually omit.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 30
    },
    "state_additional_withholding": {
      "description": "Extra state withholding per paycheck in USD, e.g. 20.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "ytd_gross_before_this_check": {
      "description": "Gross pay already received from this job earlier in 2026, e.g. 150000. Only matters near the Social Security wage base or the $200,000 Additional Medicare threshold.",
      "type": "number"
    },
    "label": {
      "description": "Short name for this scenario, e.g. 'Austin offer' or '401k at 10%'.",
      "type": "string",
      "maxLength": 40
    }
  },
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "additionalProperties": false
}

{
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "label": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "state": {
      "type": [
        "string",
        "null"
      ]
    },
    "state_supported": {
      "type": "boolean"
    },
    "state_method": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "pay_frequency": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "checks_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "gross_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "net_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "gross_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "net_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "taxes_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "taxes_per_year": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "lines": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "properties": {
          "label": {
            "type": "string"
          },
          "kind": {
            "type": "string"
          },
          "per_check": {
            "type": "number"
          },
          "per_year": {
            "type": "number"
          }
        },
        "required": [
          "label",
          "kind",
          "per_check",
          "per_year"
        ],
        "additionalProperties": false
      }
    },
    "effective_tax_rate": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "effective_federal_rate": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "effective_state_rate": {
      "type": [
        "number",
        "null"
      ]
    },
    "federal_bracket": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "annual_salary_needed": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "hourly_rate_needed": {
      "type": [
        "number",
        "null"
      ]
    },
    "target_net_per_check": {
      "type": "number"
    },
    "notes": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "string"
      }
    },
    "downloads": {
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "pdf": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "csv": {
          "type": "string"
        }
      },
      "required": [
        "pdf",
        "csv"
      ],
      "additionalProperties": false
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "label",
    "state",
    "state_supported",
    "state_method",
    "pay_frequency",
    "checks_per_year",
    "gross_per_check",
    "net_per_check",
    "gross_per_year",
    "net_per_year",
    "taxes_per_check",
    "taxes_per_year",
    "lines",
    "effective_tax_rate",
    "effective_federal_rate",
    "effective_state_rate",
    "federal_bracket",
    "annual_salary_needed",
    "hourly_rate_needed",
    "target_net_per_check",
    "notes",
    "downloads"
  ],
  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
  "additionalProperties": false
}