Paycheck, salary and tax guides
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Plain-English explanations of pay, payroll taxes and deductions, checked against IRS and state sources for the 2026 tax year.
What Is the Social Security Wage Base?
The Social Security wage base is the cap on wages taxed for Social Security: $184,500 in 2026. Here's what happens to your…
Social Security Tax Explained
Social Security tax is 6.2% of your wages up to $184,500 in 2026, matched by your employer. Here's what it covers and…
Side Income and Taxes: What to Set Aside
Side income has no withholding, so you need to set money aside yourself. Here is how to estimate the right amount for…
Self-Employment Tax Explained
Self-employment tax is how freelancers pay Social Security and Medicare. Here is the 2026 math, step by step, with real examples.
What Is a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan?
A Section 125 cafeteria plan lets you pay for certain benefits with pre-tax pay, cutting income tax, Social Security and Medicare on…
Salary vs Hourly Pay: Pros and Cons
Salaried pay offers stability, while hourly pay rewards extra hours. Here's how each affects your paycheck, with real take-home numbers.
How to Calculate Hourly Pay From Annual Salary
Divide your salary by 2,080 to find your hourly rate. Here is how to adjust for different schedules and work out what…
Roth vs Traditional 401(k): What It Does to Your Paycheck
A traditional 401(k) lowers your tax withholding today, while a Roth 401(k) costs more per paycheck but can pay out tax-free later.
How Much Rent Can You Afford on Your Salary?
The 30% rule is a starting point, but your take-home pay tells you what rent actually fits. Here is how to check…
Remote Work and State Income Taxes
Which state taxes your pay when you work remotely, the convenience rule exception, hybrid schedules, and what it means for your paycheck.