Cookie Policy
Last updated: October 25, 2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Take Home Pay Calculator uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. We believe in transparency about data collection and are committed to protecting your privacy.
2. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly:
- Security: Protect against malicious activity and ensure safe browsing
- Session Management: Maintain your calculation session and prevent data loss
- Load Balancing: Ensure optimal performance of our service
These cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for the website to work.
Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies enhance your experience:
- Preferences: Remember your state selection, filing status, and pay frequency
- Theme Settings: Save your preferred light/dark mode
- Tax Year Selection: Remember your selected tax year (2024 or 2025)
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us understand how users interact with our calculator:
- Usage Statistics: Track which features are most used (anonymized data only)
- Performance Monitoring: Measure page load times and identify areas for improvement
- Error Tracking: Help us identify and fix technical issues
All analytics data is collected anonymously and does not include your salary information.
4. How We Protect Your Privacy
No Financial Data in Cookies
IMPORTANT: We NEVER store your salary, income, or any financial calculations in cookies. All paycheck calculations happen locally in your browser and are never transmitted to our servers.
Data Minimization
We only collect the minimum data necessary to provide our service:
- Calculator preferences (no personal financial data)
- Technical information for website functionality
- Anonymous usage patterns to improve the calculator
5. Third-Party Services
Analytics
We may use privacy-focused third-party analytics services to understand how our calculator is used:
- Google Analytics: Anonymized website usage statistics
- Performance Monitoring: Helps identify and fix technical issues
Content Delivery
We use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to ensure fast loading:
- Static asset delivery (images, CSS, JavaScript)
- Geographic load balancing for worldwide performance
- Security protection and DDoS mitigation
6. Managing Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you disable cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Some features may not work properly
- Functional Cookies: You'll need to re-enter preferences each visit
- Analytics Cookies: Won't affect calculator functionality
7. Cookie Retention
Cookie Lifespan
Different cookies have different durations:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Preference Cookies: Stored for up to 12 months
- Analytics Cookies: Stored for up to 12 months
Manual Deletion
You can delete cookies at any time by:
- Clearing your browser cache and cookies
- Using private/incognito browsing mode
- Using browser extensions that manage cookies
8. Legal Compliance
Our cookie practices comply with:
- GDPR: European Union General Data Protection Regulation
- CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
- PECR: UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
9. Your Rights
Regarding cookies, you have the right to:
- Know: Understand what cookies we use and why
- Choose: Accept or decline non-essential cookies
- Access: Request information about cookie data
- Delete: Remove cookies from your device at any time
- Withdraw Consent: Change cookie preferences easily
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Improvements in privacy protection
- New calculator features
- Updated privacy regulations
- Enhanced security measures
We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy with a new "Last updated" date.
11. Contact Us
Questions about our cookie policy? Contact us:
Remember: We use cookies responsibly to enhance your experience while protecting your financial privacy. Your salary calculations remain private and are never stored in cookies.
For more information about data protection, see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.