How Much Do Minors Get Taxed on Their Paycheck? (2026 Guide)
⚡ How much do minors get taxed on paycheck? — quick answer
Minors pay the same tax rates as adults on earned wages. FICA taxes — Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) — come out of almost every ordinary W-2 paycheck regardless of age. Federal income tax depends on total annual earnings. Most minors working part-time and earning under $16,100 in 2026 owe no federal income tax.
- Social Security — 6.2% of almost every W-2 paycheck. No age exemption. On a $480 check that is $29.76.
- Medicare — 1.45% of almost every W-2 paycheck. No age exemption. On a $480 check that is $6.96.
- Federal income tax — $0 for most part-time teen workers earning under $16,100 annually.
- State income tax — depends on the state. Zero in Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, and New Hampshire.
- Total for most teens — approximately 7.65% of gross pay, all from FICA.
You got your paycheck and noticed money was taken out before it hit your account. Or maybe you are a parent trying to figure out exactly how much tax your teenager should be paying.
The answer depends on which tax you are asking about, and most answers online get this wrong by mixing up FICA and federal income tax, or by citing Australian or Canadian tax rules for a US search.
This guide covers exactly how much minors get taxed on their paycheck in the United States in 2026, with real dollar examples for the most common teenage wages.
Table of Contents
How much do minors get taxed on paycheck; the two taxes that matter
Every minor with a W-2 job faces two separate types of tax deductions. They work completely differently and need to be understood separately.
FICA taxes — taken out of almost every check
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) come out of almost every ordinary W-2 paycheck regardless of age, income level, or W-4 settings. A 15-year-old pays the same FICA rate as a 45-year-old. Rare exceptions exist (some student jobs at the student’s own school, certain family-business employment), but standard teen jobs are fully subject to FICA.
Federal income tax — depends on earnings
Federal income tax withholding depends on total annual earnings and W-4 settings. Most part-time minors earning under $16,100 in 2026 have $0 federal income tax withheld — and owe $0 at filing time.
The most important distinction
Most people searching “how much do minors get taxed” are really asking two different questions at once. The answer to “how much FICA” is 7.65% of gross pay for almost all ordinary W-2 jobs. The answer to “how much federal income tax” is almost always $0 for part-time teen workers. These are separate taxes with different rules.
Want a full explanation of FICA? Read: What Is FICA? →
Exact tax amounts for common minor paycheck scenarios (2026)
These tables show the exact deductions for the most common teenage work situations. All figures use 2026 IRS rates.
$10/hour — part-time (20 hours/week, biweekly pay)
| Deduction | Amount per check | Annual total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $400.00 | $10,400 | $10 × 20 hrs × 2 weeks |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $24.80 | $644.80 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $5.80 | $150.80 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Federal income tax | $0.00 | $0 | Annual income under $16,100 |
| Total taxes withheld | $30.60 | $795.60 | 7.65% of gross |
| Take-home pay | $369.40 | $9,604.40 | Before state tax |
$12/hour — part-time (20 hours/week, biweekly pay)
| Deduction | Amount per check | Annual total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $480.00 | $12,480 | $12 × 20 hrs × 2 weeks |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $29.76 | $773.76 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $6.96 | $180.96 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Federal income tax | $0.00 | $0 | Annual income under $16,100 |
| Total taxes withheld | $36.72 | $954.72 | 7.65% of gross |
| Take-home pay | $443.28 | $11,525.28 | Before state tax |
$15/hour — part-time (20 hours/week, biweekly pay)
| Deduction | Amount per check | Annual total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $600.00 | $15,600 | $15 × 20 hrs × 2 weeks |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $37.20 | $967.20 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $8.70 | $226.20 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Federal income tax | $0.00 | $0 | Annual income just under $16,100 |
| Total taxes withheld | $45.90 | $1,193.40 | 7.65% of gross |
| Take-home pay | $554.10 | $14,406.60 | Before state tax |
$15/hour — more hours (30 hours/week, biweekly pay)
| Deduction | Amount per check | Annual total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $900.00 | $23,400 | $15 × 30 hrs × 2 weeks |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $55.80 | $1,450.80 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $13.05 | $339.30 | Withheld for almost all W-2 jobs |
| Federal income tax (est.) | ~$28.08 | ~$730 | Income above $16,100 — tax on the excess |
| Total taxes withheld | ~$96.93 | ~$2,520 | ~10.8% of gross |
| Take-home pay | ~$803.07 | ~$20,880 | Before state tax |
What changes when income exceeds $16,100
At $15/hour working 30 hours per week, annual income hits $23,400 — $7,300 above the $16,100 standard deduction. Federal income tax applies to that $7,300 excess at the 10% bracket rate, adding roughly $730 in annual federal tax, or about $28 per biweekly paycheck. FICA still applies to all wages at 7.65%.
Minor paycheck tax summary — all scenarios at a glance
| Wage | Hours/week | Annual income | FICA per check | Federal tax per check | Effective tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10/hr | 15 hrs | $7,800 | $22.95 | $0 | 7.65% |
| $10/hr | 20 hrs | $10,400 | $30.60 | $0 | 7.65% |
| $12/hr | 20 hrs | $12,480 | $36.72 | $0 | 7.65% |
| $15/hr | 20 hrs | $15,600 | $45.90 | $0 | 7.65% |
| $15/hr | 25 hrs | $19,500 | $57.38 | ~$13 | ~9.4% |
| $15/hr | 30 hrs | $23,400 | $68.85 | ~$28 | ~10.8% |
| $15/hr | 40 hrs | $31,200 | $91.80 | ~$60 | ~12.7% |
Key pattern to notice
Every scenario below $16,100 annual income shows the same 7.65% effective tax rate — because FICA is the only tax being withheld. Federal income tax only starts affecting the rate once annual income crosses the standard deduction. For most part-time teen workers, 7.65% is the answer to “how much do minors get taxed.”
How much tax by age: 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 year olds
The tax rate is identical for every age. A 14-year-old, 16-year-old, and 18-year-old working the same job earn the same pay and pay the same percentage in taxes. Age does not affect tax rates for earned wages in the United States.
| Age | FICA rate | Federal income tax | Different from adults? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as adults | No difference |
| 15 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as adults | No difference |
| 16 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as adults | No difference |
| 17 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as adults | No difference |
| 18 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as adults | No difference |
| 25 years old | 7.65% | Same rules as above | No difference |
⚠️ Why some sources say minors are taxed differently
Some articles claim minors have special tax treatment. This is only true in two narrow situations: the Kiddie Tax (which applies to investment income, not wages) and the student FICA exception (for students working at their own university). For ordinary W-2 jobs — retail, food service, grocery stores, summer camps, delivery — the tax rate is identical to any adult doing the same job.
How much do minors get taxed on paycheck in California?
California workers — including minors — pay additional state-specific deductions on top of federal taxes:
| Deduction | Rate | On a $480 biweekly check |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | $29.76 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | $6.96 |
| Federal income tax | $0 (income under threshold) | $0.00 |
| California SDI | 1.3% | $6.24 |
| California state income tax | Varies by withholding setup | May be small or $0 at low income |
| Total before CA income tax | ~9% | ~$42.96 |
| Take-home before CA income tax | ~$437.04 |
California SDI — what it is
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is withheld from California paychecks at 1.3% in 2026 with no wage cap. It applies to minors the same as adults. Combined with FICA, California minors typically see about 9–10% of their gross pay withheld even on low part-time wages where federal income tax is $0. State income tax may add a small amount depending on the DE-4 withholding setup.
Can minors get their taxes back?
The answer depends on which tax:
Federal income tax — yes, if over-withheld
If federal income tax was withheld from paychecks during the year but the minor’s total annual income was below the standard deduction, filing a tax return gets that money back as a full refund. The refund only applies to federal income tax — not FICA.
FICA — no refund for low income
FICA taxes are not refunded because of low income. Social Security and Medicare are permanent contributions regardless of annual earnings. The only FICA refund situation is Social Security overpayment from two jobs combined above the $184,500 wage base — not relevant for most teen workers.
- File a federal tax return using the W-2 form from your employer
- If total annual W-2 income was under $16,100 and federal tax was withheld, the full withheld amount comes back as a refund
- Use IRS Free File (available for AGI under $89,000) — free, takes under 30 minutes for a simple W-2 return
- File even if not required — it is the only way to get the refund
How the W-4 affects how much a minor gets taxed
The W-4 only affects federal income tax withholding — not FICA. Minors who correctly claim exempt on their W-4 stop federal income tax withholding but continue paying FICA on every check.
| W-4 setting | FICA withheld? | Federal income tax withheld? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt box checked | Yes — always | No | Minors earning under $16,100 with no prior tax liability |
| Single, Steps 2–4 blank | Yes — always | Usually $0 at low income, small amount at higher income | Most first-job teens — safe default |
| Incorrect settings | Yes — always | May be too low or too high | Use IRS estimator to verify |
Step-by-step W-4 instructions for teens: How to Fill Out a W-4 for a Teenager →
Frequently asked questions — how much do minors get taxed on paycheck?
How much do minors get taxed on their paycheck?
For most part-time minors in 2026, the answer is 7.65% of gross pay — all from FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%). Federal income tax is $0 for minors earning under $16,100 annually from W-2 wages. State income tax depends on the state — zero in Texas, Florida, and 7 other states. California minors pay an additional 1.3% SDI plus possible state income tax, making the total around 9–10%.
Are you taxed if you are under 18?
Yes. There is no age-based tax exemption for ordinary W-2 jobs. A 16-year-old pays the same FICA rate as a 40-year-old — 7.65% on every paycheck. Federal income tax rules are also identical to adults; whether you owe it depends on how much you earn, not how old you are. Most teenagers working part-time earn under the standard deduction and owe no federal income tax, but FICA is withheld regardless.
Do 16-year-olds get taxes taken out of their paycheck?
Yes. A 16-year-old with a W-2 job has FICA taxes withheld from every paycheck — Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%. Federal income tax may or may not be withheld depending on their total expected annual income and W-4 settings. At $12/hour working 20 hours per week ($12,480 annual), a 16-year-old typically sees $36.72 taken out per biweekly check, all from FICA, with $0 in federal income tax.
How much do 18-year-olds get taxes taken out of their paycheck?
The same as any other worker — 7.65% FICA on almost every paycheck, plus federal income tax if annual earnings exceed the standard deduction ($16,100 for single filers in 2026). An 18-year-old working full-time at $15/hour earns $31,200 annually. A rough 2026 estimate is about $91.80 in FICA and about $60 in federal income tax per biweekly check — a combined rate of about 12.7% before state taxes.
Do minors get tax returns?
Yes; if federal income tax was withheld from their paychecks during the year and their total annual earnings were below the standard deduction, they can file a tax return and receive a full refund of the withheld federal tax. FICA taxes are not refunded. To get the refund, they must file a return, it does not happen automatically. IRS Free File is available for AGI under $89,000 and is free for a simple W-2 return.
Do minors have to file taxes?
A minor claimed as a dependent is generally required to file a federal tax return if their earned income exceeds the standard deduction ($16,100 in 2026) — check IRS Publication 501 for the exact dependent filing rules, since unearned income and self-employment income have separate, lower thresholds. Even when not required, filing is worth doing if any federal income tax was withheld, because filing is the only way to get that money back as a refund. Filing does not affect their parents’ ability to claim them as a dependent.
How much do minors get taxed on their paycheck in California?
California minors pay federal FICA (7.65%) plus California SDI at 1.3% in 2026 — a combined 8.95% in fixed payroll deductions. California state income tax may add a small amount depending on income level and DE-4 withholding settings, though it is often minimal or $0 for low-income part-time workers. At $12/hour, 20 hours per week, a California minor takes home roughly $437 per biweekly check before any state income tax, compared to $443 in a no-state-tax state like Texas.
What is the Kiddie Tax and does it affect my teenager’s paycheck?
The Kiddie Tax applies to unearned income — interest, dividends, and capital gains — not to wages from a job. If your teenager has unearned income over $2,700 in 2026, the Kiddie Tax may apply and Form 8615 may be required — the excess is taxed at the parent’s marginal rate rather than the child’s lower rate. This does not affect regular W-2 wages from a job. A teenager working at a grocery store or restaurant pays normal earned income tax rates regardless of the Kiddie Tax rules.
What percentage of a minor’s paycheck goes to taxes?
For most part-time minors in no-income-tax states: 7.65% (FICA only). For part-time minors in California: approximately 9.75–10.2% (FICA + state income tax + SDI). For minors earning above $16,100 annually: 7.65% FICA plus a small federal income tax amount — roughly 10–14% total depending on income level. Full-time teen workers at $15/hour face around 17–18% total effective rate including FICA and federal income tax.
Does a minor’s W-4 affect how much they get taxed?
The W-4 only controls federal income tax withholding — not FICA. A minor who claims exempt on their W-4 stops federal income tax withholding but still pays Social Security and Medicare on every check. For most part-time teens earning under $16,100, the W-4 setting makes little practical difference because federal income tax withholding would be near $0 anyway. FICA is always the same regardless of W-4 settings.
The bottom line — how much do minors get taxed on their paycheck?
For the vast majority of part-time teenage workers, the answer is 7.65% — and that is all FICA. Social Security and Medicare come out of every check with no age exemption.
Federal income tax is $0 for most teens working part-time because their annual income stays below the $16,100 standard deduction. State income tax depends on the state — California adds around 2%, while Texas and Florida add nothing.
The taxes that surprise most teens and parents:
- For almost all ordinary W-2 teen jobs, FICA comes out. No W-4 setting stops it. No income threshold reduces it. 7.65% on covered wages.
- Federal income tax is often $0. Not because minors get special treatment — because most part-time teen wages fall below the standard deduction.
- FICA does not come back. Federal income tax refunds are possible by filing. FICA paid on low wages is not refunded.
Quick formula: estimate a minor’s paycheck tax
FICA: gross pay × 7.65%
Federal income tax: usually $0 if annual W-2 income is under $16,100 in 2026
Take-home before state tax: gross pay − FICA − estimated federal income tax
Calculate Your Exact Teen Paycheck Breakdown
Enter the hourly rate, hours worked, and pay frequency to see the exact Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax amounts — using 2026 IRS figures.
Why is the first paycheck smaller than expected? Read: Why Is My First Paycheck So Low? →
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. FICA rates confirmed via IRS Tax Topic 751. Standard deduction figures for 2026 confirmed via IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32. California SDI rate confirmed via California Employment Development Department. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
