Take-Home Pay Calculator
Gross settlement → fuel → fixed → fees → tax → what you keep. Per diem lowers taxable income (not extra cash).
Worked example: $4,500 week
2,500 mi at 6.5 MPG, $6.20 diesel = $2,384.62 fuel. + $1,050 fixed + $80 tolls + 3% factoring ($135) = $3,649.62 expenses, $850.38 net before tax. Per diem $320 → taxable $530.38 → tax $132.60 at 25% → $717.79 take-home.
Paycheck questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Gross settlement minus fuel (miles ÷ MPG × price), fixed costs, tolls, factoring and dispatch fees = net before tax. Tax applies to (net − per diem deduction). What is left is take-home.
Does per diem add cash?
No. Per diem lowers TAXABLE income on Schedule C — it does not add to the settlement. This calculator shows both numbers so the benefit is visible.
What tax rate should I use?
Start with 25% as a planning placeholder for federal + self-employment. Replace it with your CPA's effective rate — quarterly estimates still apply.