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 Does YTD Mean on a Pay Stub?
YTD means year-to-date. Learn how the YTD column on your pay stub works, how to check it, and why it explains Social Security and 401(k) changes.
4 min read · October 5, 2026
Read articleWhy 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.
Why Is My Paycheck Smaller Than Expected?
Taxes, benefits, W-4 settings and pay calendar quirks explain most smaller paychecks. Here's how to find the cause on your stub.
What 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…
Washington vs Oregon: Take-Home Pay Compared
How much more you keep in Washington than Oregon on the same salary, with 2026 monthly paycheck estimates and the payroll items…
How Wage Garnishment Works
Wage garnishment is a legal order that makes your employer withhold part of your pay for a debt, within limits set by…
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…
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…
Common Voluntary Deductions on a Pay Stub
What voluntary deductions are, the most common ones on a pay stub, and how pre-tax and after-tax choices change your take-home pay.
Union Dues on Your Paycheck
How union dues are taken from your paycheck, why they come out after tax, and how to check that the deduction on…