FAQ — Arizona Paycheck Calculator
Below are quick answers to the most common questions about our Arizona paycheck tools. For step-by-step help, see our Guides hub and the Calculators hub.
General
1) What does the Arizona Paycheck Calculator do?
It estimates your per-pay net pay (take-home) using your pay rate, hours or salary, filing status (W-4), FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Arizona A-4 state withholding—plus any pre- and post-tax deductions.
2) Is this professional tax or legal advice?
No. Our tools are educational estimates. Confirm numbers with your payroll provider, employer, or a qualified tax professional. See our Disclaimer.
3) Does Arizona have city income taxes (e.g., Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale)?
No. Arizona does not levy local/city income taxes. Your paycheck typically includes federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Arizona state withholding.
4) Do you store my inputs or personal data?
Calculations run client-side in your browser, and we don’t store the numbers you type. For analytics/cookies details, see our Privacy Policy.
Using the calculators
5) Where should I start—hourly or salary?
- Hourly: use the Hourly Paycheck.
- Salary: use Salary Paycheck.
6) How do I model overtime or shift pay?
Enter OT hours and rate (default is 1.5×) in the hourly calculator, or use the Overtime Pay tool for scenarios like double-time and premiums.
7) How do I calculate a bonus check? (Supplemental wages)
Use the Bonus Paycheck (Gross-Up). You can model a separate bonus check (flat federal supplemental rate + AZ A-4 %) or combine the bonus with regular wages.
8) Can I convert between net and gross pay?
Yes:
- Gross → Net: any paycheck calculator.
- Net → Gross: Net-to-Gross finds the gross needed to hit a target net.
9) How do I include benefits and deductions?
Pre-tax (401(k)/403(b)/457(b), HSA/FSA, pre-tax insurance) reduce taxable wages; post-tax items deduct after taxes. Use Take-Home with Benefits for a clear breakdown.
10) How do I factor in PTO, vacation or sick pay?
Use the hourly calculator (treat as regular hours) or the Vacation Payout tool; you can also model as supplemental if your employer pays it separately.
Federal & state withholding
11) How does the new W-4 affect my paycheck?
Since 2020 the W-4 no longer uses “allowances.” Enter filing status, dependents, and any other income/deductions. Our calculators follow IRS Publication 15-T methods. Try the W-4 Withholding helper.
12) What is Arizona Form A-4 and which percentage should I pick?
A-4 is your Arizona state withholding election (a percentage of AZ-taxable wages). Higher % → more state tax withheld. Use our AZ State Withholding and A-4 guides to compare options.
13) Does the calculator handle Social Security & Medicare (FICA)?
Yes. We apply the current employee rates, the annual Social Security wage base, and the Additional Medicare 0.9% surtax for high earners.
14) Why don’t my results match my actual paycheck exactly?
Employers and payroll providers use specific rounding, timing, and benefit rules. Small differences are normal. For best accuracy, enter YTD amounts and verify your W-4/A-4 settings.
Special scenarios
15) Multiple jobs or spouse works—what should I do?
Use W-4 Step 2 options (or model jobs separately). Under-withholding is common when multiple jobs aren’t reflected. Our calculators support Step 2 and “other income” fields.
16) Self-employed or contractor pay?
See Self-Employed Paycheck and Contractor (1099). These model SE tax, quarterly estimates, and deductions.
17) Commission or tips?
Use the hourly/salary tool and add commission/tips as additional earnings, or use Commission Paycheck for tiered structures.
18) Phoenix cost-of-living and take-home?
There’s no extra city income tax, but living costs vary. See Phoenix Paycheck and Cost of Living to plan your budget.
Planning & troubleshooting
19) Will I get a refund?
A refund happens if you over-withheld during the year. Try the Tax Refund Estimator and confirm with your year-end tax return.
20) How do I compare job offers after tax?
Use Salary Comparison and Salary Negotiation. Add benefits and different pay frequencies to see apples-to-apples take-home.
21) How often are the calculators updated?
We refresh IRS and AZ parameters when official updates release (e.g., wage bases, 15-T, A-4 options). See our Methodology and page “Last updated” stamps.
22) Who can I contact for corrections or edge cases?
Email us at [email@yourdomain.com] with your pay frequency, W-4/A-4 settings, YTD figures, and a brief description of the issue.
Legal & privacy
23) Is this site affiliated with the IRS or AZ DOR?
No. We are independent and not affiliated with government agencies.
24) Where can I read the legal policies?
See Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.