How is GS take-home pay calculated?

GS take-home pay starts with your locality-adjusted salary (base pay × locality percentage), then subtracts pre-tax deductions (FERS pension, Traditional TSP, FEHB health insurance, FEGLI life insurance) and taxes (Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, state income tax). FEHB premiums reduce both taxable income and FICA wages under Premium Conversion. Traditional TSP reduces federal taxable income but not FICA wages. Roth TSP does not reduce either.

What is the FERS contribution rate in 2026?

FERS contribution rates in 2026 depend on hire date: 0.8% for employees hired before January 1, 2013 (FERS); 3.1% for those hired January 1–December 31, 2013 (FERS-RAE); and 4.4% for those hired on or after January 1, 2014 (FERS-FRAE). These rates are set by 5 U.S.C. §8422.

How much does the government match for TSP in 2026?

The government contributes an automatic 1% of basic pay regardless of your contribution. Additionally, it matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% you contribute, and 50 cents per dollar on the next 2%. Contributing at least 5% maximizes the match at 5% total government contribution. The 2026 TSP elective deferral limit is $24,500.

What is the Social Security wage base for 2026?

The Social Security wage base for 2026 is $184,500. You pay 6.2% Social Security tax on wages up to this amount. Medicare tax of 1.45% has no wage cap. An additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies to wages over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).

Does the calculator include OBBBA provisions?

This calculator uses the post-OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, P.L. 119-21) federal tax brackets for 2026. However, the new OBBBA deductions for overtime pay, tips, and additional senior standard deduction are NOT included in V1. These are listed in the methodology as known exclusions.

GS Take Home Pay Calculator

Find out what actually hits your bank account. 2026 pay tables, all deductions included.

Pay Grade & Location

GS Grade

Step

Locality Pay Area

Retirement & Benefits

FERS Tier (by hire date)

Rehired employees with 5+ years prior service may qualify for a different tier. Check with your agency HR.

TSP Contribution

Type:

Traditional Roth

FEHB Coverage

Biweekly FEHB Premium ($)

Your enrollee share per pay period. Find your premium at OPM

FEGLI Basic Life Insurance

Estimate uses under-35 rate ($0.325/pay per $1K). Actual varies by age.

Tax Information

Filing Status

Single Married Head of Household

State of Residence

Your Estimated Biweekly Net Pay

$0.00

per pay period (26 per year)

Monthly

$0.00

Annual

$0.00

Gross Biweekly Pay cap applied

$0.00

$0/year

Deduction Breakdown ▼

-$0.00

Retirement & Benefits

FERS Pension 4.4% -$0.00

TSP Trad 5% -$0.00

FEHB Health Insurance -$0.00

FEGLI Life Insurance $0.00

+ TSP Gov't Match (free money!) +$0.00

FICA Taxes

Social Security 6.2% -$0.00

Medicare 1.45% -$0.00

Additional Medicare 0.9% -$0.00

Income Taxes

Federal Tax 22% -$0.00

State Tax $0.00

Data Sources & Legal Authority

GS Pay Tables OPM 2026 Salary Tables — 5 U.S.C. Chapter 53

FERS Rates OPM FERS Information — 5 U.S.C. §8422

TSP Match TSP.gov — 5 U.S.C. §8432(c)

TSP Limits TSP Bulletin 25-3 — IRS Notice 2025-67, IRC §402(g)

FEHB OPM FEHB Premiums — 5 U.S.C. Chapter 89

SS & Medicare SSA.gov — 26 U.S.C. §3101

Federal Tax IRS Rev Proc 2025-32 — P.L. 119-21 (OBBBA)

State Tax Tax Foundation 2026 + state revenue depts

⚠ Important 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, FEDVIP dental/vision premiums, garnishments, locality mid-year changes, and W-4 adjustments. 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.