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Tax Guides
Plain-English guides to federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and withholding for the 2026 tax year.
Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year?
Owing at tax time usually means withholding fell short of your actual tax. These are the most common reasons, with real numbers.
5 min read · October 5, 2026
Read articleWhat Is FICA Tax?
FICA is the Social Security and Medicare tax taken from every paycheck: 7.65% for most employees in 2026, with an equal employer…
What Is a W-4 Form and How Does It Affect Your Paycheck?
Your W-4 form tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold. Here is what each step controls and how one…
Filling Out a W-4 With Two Jobs or a Working Spouse
Two jobs or a working spouse can leave you under-withheld because each employer assumes it's your only income. Here is how W-4…
The New Tips and Overtime Deductions: What They Mean for Your Paycheck
The new tips and overtime deductions lower income tax when you file, but most paychecks still look the same. Here is why.
Big Tax Refund or Bigger Paycheck?
A large refund is money you overpaid during the year. See what it is worth per paycheck and how to shift it…
Tax Withholding vs Tax Owed
Withholding is a prepayment from each paycheck. Tax owed is your actual bill. Here is how they compare and why they rarely…
What Are Supplemental Wages?
Bonuses, commissions and similar payments are supplemental wages. Here is how employers withhold federal tax on them in 2026.
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…
What Is the Standard Deduction? 2026 Amounts
The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. Here is how it shapes your…