Accuracy is the foundation of every calculator on WorkplaceCalc.com. This page explains the data sources, update schedule, and methodology behind each tool. We cite official government sources wherever possible and note where estimates or simplifications are used.
Data sources by calculator
Workers Comp Calculator Updated annually Jan
State maximum weekly benefit rates are sourced directly from each state's Workers Compensation Board or Division of Workers Compensation. Most states publish new rates each October or November for the following calendar year. Replacement rates (typically 66.7%) and waiting periods are sourced from state statutes and verified against NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) data.
Overtime Pay Calculator Updated as laws change
Federal overtime rules are sourced from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as administered by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. State-specific daily overtime rules for California, Alaska, Colorado, and Nevada are sourced from those states' respective labor codes and regulations. The 2024 salary threshold update ($43,888/year) is reflected.
Statute of Limitations Lookup Verified 2025-2026
Limitation periods are sourced from each state's civil procedure statutes, verified against Justia state law databases and NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) summaries. Discovery rule information and tolling provisions are based on published case law and statutory language. Florida's 2023 reduction from 4 to 2 years for personal injury is reflected.
Paycheck Calculator Updated annually Jan
Federal income tax brackets and standard deductions use 2026 IRS inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-28). Social Security wage base ($176,100 for 2026) and FICA rates (6.2% SS, 1.45% Medicare) are from IRS Publication 15. State income tax rates use each state's current flat or top marginal rate as a simplified approximation — actual withholding depends on individual W-4 elections and bracket calculations.
401k Calculator Updated annually Jan
Contribution limits ($23,500 employee, $31,000 with catch-up for age 50+, $70,000 total) are from IRS Notice 2025-03. Investment return projections use user-selected rates; the 7% default reflects the historical real return of US equities net of inflation. Employer match calculations use common 100% match formulas as examples — actual matches vary significantly by employer.
Minimum Wage by State Updated annually Jan
Minimum wage rates are sourced from each state's Department of Labor and verified against the U.S. Department of Labor's state minimum wage chart. Tipped minimum wages and scheduled future increases are from state statutes. Rates are updated each January when most states' annual indexed increases take effect, and again in July for states that update mid-year (e.g., Florida in September).
FMLA Leave Calculator Updated as laws change
Federal FMLA rules are from the Family and Medical Leave Act (29 USC 2601 et seq.) and DOL regulations (29 CFR Part 825). State paid leave program details (benefits, rates, wage replacement formulas) are sourced from each state's workforce or insurance department. The 2026 Maryland FAMLI and Minnesota paid leave launches are reflected.
Cost of Living Calculator Updated annually Q1
Cost of living indices are compiled from multiple sources including the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Numbeo city cost data, and BLS regional Consumer Price Index data. All indices are normalized to 100 = national average. Housing indices reflect median home prices and rental rates from Zillow and Census ACS data. These are estimates and individual costs vary significantly.
Update schedule
We update our calculators on the following schedule:
- January — Tax brackets, standard deductions, 401k limits, minimum wages, workers comp rates, FMLA state program updates
- July/September — Mid-year minimum wage updates (Florida in September, others as applicable)
- As needed — When federal or state laws change, we update affected calculators within 30 days of the effective date
Simplifications and limitations
Some calculators use simplified calculations that may not capture every nuance of the law or your personal situation:
- The paycheck calculator uses a simplified state tax rate rather than full bracket calculations for all 50 states. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections and employer's payroll system.
- Workers comp calculations use standard temporary total disability (TTD) formulas. Permanent disability, partial disability, and supplemental benefits are calculated differently.
- The 401k calculator assumes constant contribution rates and investment returns. Real returns vary and are never guaranteed.
- Cost of living indices are averages — actual costs in specific neighborhoods may differ significantly from city averages.
We note these limitations on each calculator page and always recommend consulting a professional for decisions with significant financial or legal consequences.
Found an error?
If you believe any data on our site is incorrect or outdated, please contact us or email [email protected]. We take accuracy seriously and will review and correct errors promptly.