What this is
HoursOwl is an independent project. It has no connection to a payroll company, a law firm or a government agency. The goal is simple: you put in your hours, and you get your pay, with the math shown so you can check it.
How it stays accurate
Every rule comes from an official source, and the sources are listed on the How we calculate page. Overtime follows the Department of Labor and the California Labor Commissioner. Tax figures come from IRS publications. When a rate changes, as the mileage rates did in July 2026, the page is updated and the date is stated.
The calculators are tested against hand calculations. If a result looks wrong to you, that is useful to know. Write to hello@hoursowl.com with what you entered and what you expected.
What it costs, and what it does with your data
The calculators are free. Calculations run in your browser and the numbers you type are not sent anywhere or stored. If you choose to save a week, you can keep it in a file on your own device or in an account with your email, and you can delete it any time. The privacy page says exactly what is collected.
Some day the site may link to payroll or time tracking tools that pay a referral fee. If that happens it will be marked clearly on the page and it will not change any result.
Limits
Results are estimates for general information. They are not legal, tax or payroll advice. Your employer, a payroll professional or your state labor agency has the final word.