More in Income
What this calculator does
Unreported income avoids income tax now but reduces Social Security credits and unemployment eligibility later.
The math
Tax saved = income × tax rate. Future benefit lost = income × 0.062 × 2 (employer and employee Social Security match). Net cost = benefit lost − tax saved.
Worked example
$10,000 under the table at a 15% tax rate saves $1,500 in taxes but costs about $1,240 in future Social Security value.
Why this matters
Your salary and your spendable income are not the same number. This calculator shows what you actually keep and what that means for your budget.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
Is this illegal?
Yes, failing to report income is tax evasion. This calculator is for educational purposes.
Does this count unemployment?
It estimates Social Security loss. Unemployment and workers compensation can also be affected.