HOW IT WORKS

Methodology

1. Inputs

User-entered salary and recurring costs are treated as assumptions, not facts.

2. Federal estimate

Taxable income is approximated using the 2026 standard deduction and marginal federal rates. Employee Social Security and Medicare are then modeled using 2026 SSA parameters.

3. Scenario

We compare annual modeled net income with recurring costs. One-time costs are kept separate.

4. Stress test

We vary assumptions rather than claiming to predict the future.

Important limitation: real tax liability can differ because of state/local taxes, credits, deductions, benefits, retirement elections, filing circumstances and other factors.