Question 1

How is my SSS contribution calculated?

Accepted Answer

SSS uses your Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which is your salary rounded to the nearest ₱500 bracket between ₱5,000 and ₱35,000. The total contribution is 15% of MSC. As an employee, you pay 5% and your employer pays 10% plus a small Employees' Compensation (EC) fee of ₱10–₱30. Self-employed members pay the full 15% themselves.

Question 2

How much PhilHealth do I pay?

Accepted Answer

PhilHealth is 5% of your monthly basic salary, with a ₱500 minimum (salaries up to ₱10,000) and a ₱5,000 maximum (salaries ₱100,000 and above). Employees split this 50/50 with their employer. Self-employed members pay the full premium.

Question 3

Why is my Pag-IBIG capped at ₱200?

Accepted Answer

Pag-IBIG only computes contributions on the first ₱10,000 of your salary (the Maximum Fund Salary cap). At a 2% rate, this caps the employee share at ₱200/month — the same applies to the employer share. Self-employed members pay both shares (effectively ₱400/month).

Question 4

What is the BIR withholding tax based on?

Accepted Answer

Withholding tax is computed on your taxable income — your gross monthly salary minus your SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG employee shares. It uses the TRAIN Law brackets (effective 2023 onwards). The first ₱20,833/month is tax-free, and rates climb from 15% to 35% across higher brackets.

Question 5

Should I choose 8% flat tax or graduated rates?

Accepted Answer

If you're self-employed with annual gross sales below ₱3M and prefer simpler filing, the 8% flat tax (after the ₱250,000 exemption) is often easier and cheaper. Graduated rates may be better if your income is low, your deductions are high, or if you want to claim itemized expenses. Run the numbers in both modes to compare.

Question 6

Is 13th-month pay taxable?

Accepted Answer

13th-month pay (and other benefits combined) is tax-free up to ₱90,000 per year under TRAIN Law. Anything above that ceiling is added to your taxable income. This calculator includes your 13th-month in the annual view if you toggle it on.

Question 7

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

We use the official 2026 contribution and tax tables, hardcoded into the page (no API calls). However, your real paycheck may differ due to employer policies, voluntary contributions, tax exemptions for dependents, mid-year salary changes, or other factors. Treat this as a guide, not a substitute for your payslip.

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