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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the calculator, our methodology, and your privacy.
For implementation details, read the TrueTaxRate methodology.
What does TrueTaxRate actually measure?
Your total annual tax burden as a share of gross income — federal income, state and local income, payroll, sales, property, vehicle, and gas taxes combined.
Do my inputs leave my browser?
No. Everything is computed locally on your device. We never see your numbers.
How accurate is the estimate?
It's a transparent estimate using public 2025 tax data. Entering W-2 figures and a spending CSV will make it more precise.
Where do the calculator assumptions come from?
TrueTaxRate uses public tax data, including IRS guidance, state tax publications, Tax Foundation sales tax references, and user-entered values. The methodology page explains the major assumptions and limitations.
Why include payroll tax?
Payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) come out of every paycheck. Excluding them would understate what you actually pay.
Why include sales tax?
Sales tax is paid throughout the year and usually does not appear on an income tax return. TrueTaxRate estimates it from spending inputs and location-based sales tax rates unless you enter a known amount.
Why include property tax?
Property tax can be one of the largest taxes a homeowner pays. TrueTaxRate uses the amount you enter because property tax depends heavily on the specific home, locality, assessment, and exemptions.
Does TrueTaxRate include every possible tax?
No. It focuses on major household tax categories. It does not model every local fee, business tax, deduction, credit, surcharge, or special situation.
Is TrueTaxRate tax advice?
No. TrueTaxRate is an educational estimator, not tax preparation software. It should not be used to file or amend a return or to choose a tax position.
What happens if I upload a file?
CSV and tax-document parsing happens in your browser. Uploaded files are not stored by TrueTaxRate on its servers, and uploaded transaction rows are not used for ad targeting.
Does TrueTaxRate store my exact income or tax numbers?
No account is required, and exact calculator inputs stay on your device by default. The privacy page explains local storage, anonymous analytics, and ad-related disclosures.
Why are some pages noindex?
Utility pages such as results, shared results, unsubscribe, and feedback are meant to support the product workflow. They are not intended to be search landing pages.
Will ads affect my calculator inputs?
No. Ads are not based on uploaded files, raw transaction data, or exact calculator inputs. Content ads are kept separate from private calculator flows.