Reverse Tax Calculator

Enter an after-tax (net) amount and your tax rates to calculate the gross amount before taxes. Useful for payroll, invoicing, contractor billing, and financial planning.

Amount you receive after taxes (take-home).
Enter 0 if not applicable.
Use for local taxes, Medicare, or additional deductions.
Check if you want to gross-up for employer payroll taxes (useful for contractors/self-employed).

Reverse Tax Calculator: Convert Net Pay into Gross — Why It Matters

The term reverse tax calculator is increasingly searched by freelancers, contractors, small business owners, and payroll professionals who need to work backward from a net (after-tax) figure to discover the gross amount before taxes. Whether you're negotiating a contract, preparing invoices, or calculating payroll, knowing how to gross-up a net payment helps you arrive at accurate invoices and maintain profitability.

What a Reverse Tax Calculator Does

A reverse tax calculator takes a net amount — the figure you or someone receives after taxes and deductions — and calculates the gross amount needed before taxes so that the take-home pay equals that net number. This is called "grossing up." The tool combines federal, state and other tax rates into a composite rate and applies the formula:

Gross = Net / (1 - Combined Tax Rate)

This straightforward formula works well for flat combined tax rates. For progressive tax brackets or complex withholding rules, the estimate is a good starting point but may need refinement.

Who Uses a Reverse Tax Calculator?

  • Freelancers & Contractors — to quote clients correctly when they want you to receive a specific net amount.
  • Small Business Owners — to prepare invoices that include taxes or reimbursements.
  • Payroll Administrators — for quick gross-up calculations where employers cover taxes or benefits.
  • Individuals — who want to know the pre-tax income needed to meet a net goal for monthly budgeting.

How to Use This Tool — Best Practices

To get the most accurate result from a reverse tax calculator:

  • Use realistic tax rates — combine federal and state withholding rates and add local taxes if applicable.
  • Include other deductions where relevant (Medicare, Social Security, local taxes).
  • If you’re self-employed or the employer covers payroll taxes, check the employer payroll option to include those costs in the gross-up.
  • Remember progressive tax systems require more granular calculations; if you expect the gross amount to move you into a higher tax bracket, adjust accordingly or consult a tax professional.

Examples

Example 1: You want to receive $3,000 after taxes. Federal tax = 22%, state tax = 5%, other = 1.45% (Medicare). Combined = 28.45%. Gross = 3000 / (1 - 0.2845) ≈ $4,197. The tax amount is ~$1,197.

Example 2: As a contractor you must invoice a client so you receive $2,500 after the client withholds 30% total tax. Gross = 2500 / (1 - 0.30) = $3,571.43.

Limitations & When to Consult a Professional

This reverse tax calculator provides a fast and reliable estimate for flat or combined rate scenarios. However, it does not replace payroll software for progressive tax systems, social benefits calculations, or multi-state employment rules. If your situation involves complex withholding rules, multiple jurisdictions, or large sums, get help from an accountant or payroll specialist.

Next Steps

Use this reverse tax calculator to verify gross-up amounts, then complement your planning with our tax calculator for more detailed tax projections or the retirement calculator to understand long-term impacts. For mortgage and cashflow planning, visit our mortgage calculator.