Managing payroll in Virginia can feel complicated due to state taxes, federal taxes, and other deductions. Whether you are an employer ensuring accurate paychecks or an employee estimating your take-home pay, understanding your earnings is essential.
VA Payroll Calculator
🔎 What is a VA Payroll Calculator?
The VA Payroll Calculator is an online tool that computes take-home pay for employees in Virginia after applying:
- Federal income tax
- Virginia state income tax
- Social Security tax (FICA)
- Medicare tax (FICA)
- Additional deductions (retirement, insurance, etc.)
It provides both employers and employees with accurate payroll breakdowns in seconds.
🛠️ How to Use the Calculator
- Enter gross pay – your total earnings before deductions.
- Choose pay frequency – hourly, weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.
- Input hours worked (if hourly).
- Enter federal filing status – single, married, or head of household.
- Include Virginia state filing status and allowances.
- Add any pre-tax or post-tax deductions (e.g., retirement, insurance).
- Click Calculate – the tool shows a full paycheck breakdown.
📐 Payroll Calculation Formulas
The VA Payroll Calculator uses standard payroll formulas.
1. Gross Pay
Gross Pay = Hourly Rate × Hours Worked
(For salaried employees: Annual Salary ÷ Number of Pay Periods)
2. Federal Income Tax
Calculated using IRS tax brackets and filing status.
3. Virginia State Income Tax (2025)
- 2% on first $3,000 of taxable income
- 3% on $3,001 – $5,000
- 5% on $5,001 – $17,000
- 5.75% on income over $17,000
4. FICA Taxes
- Social Security Tax = 6.2% of gross pay (up to wage limit)
- Medicare Tax = 1.45% of gross pay
- Additional Medicare = 0.9% for income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married)
5. Net Pay
Net Pay = Gross Pay – (Federal Tax + State Tax + Social Security + Medicare + Other Deductions)
📊 Example Calculations
Example 1: Hourly Worker
- Hourly Rate = $20
- Hours Worked = 40 (weekly)
- Gross Pay = $20 × 40 = $800
- Federal Tax ≈ $70
- Virginia State Tax ≈ $28
- Social Security = $49.60
- Medicare = $11.60
Net Pay ≈ $640.80
Example 2: Salaried Employee
- Annual Salary = $60,000
- Pay Frequency = Monthly (12 periods)
- Gross Pay = $60,000 ÷ 12 = $5,000
- Federal Tax ≈ $600
- Virginia Tax ≈ $240
- Social Security = $310
- Medicare = $72.50
Net Pay ≈ $3,777.50
Example 3: High Earner with Medicare Surcharge
- Annual Salary = $220,000 (single)
- Additional Medicare applies (0.9% on excess over $200,000).
- Calculator automatically adds surcharge.
⚡ Benefits of the VA Payroll Calculator
- Instant paycheck estimates
- Accurate Virginia-specific tax calculations
- Breakdown of all deductions
- Helps in budgeting and financial planning
- Useful for both employers and employees
💡 Helpful Insights
- Virginia has a progressive income tax system, topping out at 5.75%.
- Federal withholding depends on filing status and income brackets.
- FICA deductions are the same across all states.
- Pre-tax deductions (like retirement contributions) reduce taxable income.
- Using the calculator before job negotiations helps employees understand real take-home pay.
❓ 20 FAQs About VA Payroll Calculator
1. What is the VA Payroll Calculator?
It’s an online tool to estimate take-home pay after Virginia and federal taxes.
2. Does it include both federal and state taxes?
Yes, it applies both federal IRS brackets and Virginia state rates.
3. Does it calculate Social Security and Medicare?
Yes, FICA deductions are included automatically.
4. Can I use it if I’m self-employed?
It works for paycheck estimation, but self-employed also pay employer portions.
5. Is Virginia a flat-tax state?
No, it uses progressive tax rates from 2% to 5.75%.
6. Can I calculate hourly and salary pay?
Yes, the calculator supports both.
7. Does it support different pay periods?
Yes – weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly.
8. Are retirement contributions included?
Yes, you can add pre-tax deductions for 401(k) or IRA.
9. Can health insurance premiums be added?
Yes, input them under deductions.
10. What is the Medicare surcharge?
An extra 0.9% applies if income exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
11. Does it work for multiple jobs?
Yes, but you should enter combined income.
12. Can it be used by employers?
Yes, it helps estimate payroll costs.
13. Does Virginia tax retirement income?
Yes, but exemptions may apply depending on age and income.
14. How accurate is the calculator?
It uses current tax rates for Virginia and federal laws.
15. Can I use it for 2026 and beyond?
Tax rates may change, but the tool updates annually.
16. Do Virginia localities have payroll tax?
No, only state tax applies (unlike some states with city taxes).
17. Can overtime be calculated?
Yes, enter actual hours worked at the overtime rate.
18. Does the calculator show gross and net pay?
Yes, with a detailed breakdown.
19. Can it estimate annual take-home pay?
Yes, it multiplies by pay periods for yearly totals.
20. Is it free to use?
Yes, the online VA Payroll Calculator is free.
✅ Conclusion
The VA Payroll Calculator is an essential tool for anyone living or working in Virginia. By combining federal taxes, state income tax, and FICA deductions, it gives employees an accurate picture of their true take-home pay. Employers also benefit from precise payroll estimates, ensuring compliance and transparency.