1. What is Biweekly Pay?

Biweekly pay means employees are paid every two weeks, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. This is different from semi-monthly pay (24 pay periods) where employees are paid twice per month.

2. How is Biweekly Pay Calculated in NYC?

The basic calculation for biweekly pay is:

In NYC, employees are subject to three main tax withholdings:

• Federal Income Tax - Progressive tax based on IRS brackets
• New York State Tax - Progressive state income tax
• New York City Tax - Local income tax for NYC residents

3. Understanding NYC Payroll Taxes

Details: NYC has one of the highest tax burdens in the U.S. with combined federal, state, and local taxes often exceeding 30% for middle-income earners. The exact amount depends on filing status and income level.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your annual salary before taxes and select your filing status. The calculator will estimate your biweekly gross pay and tax withholdings to show your estimated take-home pay.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are there 26 biweekly pay periods?
A: There are 52 weeks in a year, and biweekly means every two weeks (52/2 = 26 pay periods).

Q2: Are NYC taxes higher than other cities?
A: Yes, NYC has local income tax in addition to state and federal taxes, making the overall tax burden higher than most U.S. cities.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: This provides estimates based on standard tax brackets. Actual paychecks may vary based on additional deductions (retirement, benefits, etc.).

Q4: Do I pay NYC taxes if I work in NYC but live elsewhere?
A: Generally no, NYC local taxes only apply to residents. However, you would still pay NY state taxes.

Q5: When are the three paychecks months in biweekly pay?
A: In months with five weeks, you may receive three paychecks if your paydays fall right. This happens about twice a year.