Paycheck guides
How the amounts on your pay stub are worked out, with the official rules behind each one.
- How paychecks are taxed
Every line between gross pay and take-home pay, in the order payroll works them out.
- Form W-4 explained
Each step of the federal withholding form, with examples of what the choices do to a paycheck.
- FICA: Social Security and Medicare on your paycheck
The flat payroll taxes on almost every paycheck, the wage base, and how to check them on a pay stub.
- Pre-tax deductions and your paycheck
How a 401(k), health insurance, an HSA or an FSA changes each tax line and your take-home pay.
- How bonuses are taxed
The two federal withholding methods for bonuses, the rule above one million dollars, and state bonus rates.
- States with no income tax on wages
Which states don't tax wages, what's still deducted, and what happens if you live and work in different states.
- Final paycheck laws by state
When your last paycheck is due in each state, whether you quit or were let go, and how it's taxed.
- Take-home pay in every state
One salary in every state, and the state taxes and programs that make take-home pay differ.