How Texas Child Support Is Calculated
Texas uses the Percentage of Net Resources model. Unlike most states, Texas only considers the non-custodial parent's income — not both parents' incomes. The guideline amount is derived by applying a fixed percentage to the NCP's net monthly resources.
Start with gross monthly income
All income sources: wages, self-employment, commissions, bonuses, rental income, etc. before any deductions.
Subtract allowable deductions
Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and estimated federal income tax are subtracted to arrive at net monthly resources. Texas has no state income tax.
Adjust for other support obligations
If you already pay court-ordered support for children from other relationships, a deduction is applied to reflect that existing obligation before calculating the current case.
Apply the guideline percentage
Texas applies a set percentage based on number of children, capped at $9,200/month of net resources. Health insurance you pay is credited against the result.
| Number of Children | % of Net Monthly Resources | Maximum (at $9,200 cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 20% | $1,840/mo |
| 2 children | 25% | $2,300/mo |
| 3 children | 30% | $2,760/mo |
| 4 children | 35% | $3,220/mo |
| 5 or more children | 40% | $3,680/mo |
* Net resources cap: $9,200/month. Courts may order additional amounts above the cap.
Texas Child Support — Frequently Asked Questions
Net resources include wages, salary, tips, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, interest, and most recurring income sources. Certain public assistance (SNAP, CHIP) and foster care payments are excluded. Texas uses "net resources" — income after Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and state income tax (Texas has none).
Yes. For the standard formula, the net resources used to calculate support are capped at $9,200 per month (as of the 2024 update). Courts may order additional support above the cap for proven needs — extraordinary medical costs, private school tuition, etc. The cap applies to the standard guideline calculation, not to the total possible order.
The standard Texas formula does not automatically adjust for possession time. However, courts can deviate from the guideline for extended visitation (more than the standard possession order). A parent with 40%+ parenting time may petition for a deviation. The calculator reflects the standard formula only.
Existing court-ordered support obligations for other children reduce your net resources before applying the guideline rate. This calculator accounts for that adjustment by applying the applicable reduction percentage to your pre-existing obligation.
If you pay for the children's health insurance, the monthly premium cost is typically credited against the calculated support amount. The court can also order one parent to maintain health insurance, which may be in addition to or instead of a cash credit.
Yes. Texas courts can deviate upward or downward from the guideline amount if applying the standard formula would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors include the child's age and needs, travel costs for visitation, ability of each parent to contribute, special needs, and the child's lifestyle before separation.