What changed in paychecks for 2026
- Social Security wage base: up to $184,500 from $176,100. The 6.2% tax stops once you pass it.
- Federal withholding tables: updated in IRS Publication 15-T for 2026. The new deductions for qualified tips and overtime are claimed through W-4 Step 4(b) and lower withholding only if you enter them there.
- North Carolina: the income tax rate falls to 3.99% from 4.25%. Withholding uses 4.09%, which includes a 0.1-point buffer.
- Illinois: the exemption allowance rises to $2,925 from $2,850. The rate stays 4.95%.
- Michigan: the personal exemption rises to $5,900 from $5,800. The rate stays 4.25%.
- Washington: the Paid Family & Medical Leave premium rises to 1.13% from 0.92%, and employees pay 71.43% of it.
At $52,000 a year, paid every two weeks, a single filer in Texas takes home about $1,690.85 per check in 2026.
General information, not tax advice.