Guides
Tax Guides
How federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes come out of your paycheck, explained with 2026 figures.
All guides
State Disability Insurance (SDI) on Your Paycheck
What the SDI line on your pay stub is, which states withhold state disability insurance, and how much it typically costs.
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…
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…
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.
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.
Pennsylvania Local Earned Income Tax Explained
Who levies Pennsylvania's local earned income tax, how your employer decides what to withhold, and what it does to a 2026 paycheck.
What Changed for Paychecks in 2026
New brackets, a higher standard deduction, a bigger Social Security wage base and new contribution limits all affect 2026 paychecks.
Ohio Municipal Income Tax Explained
How Ohio's city and village income taxes are withheld, how home-city credits work, and why local tax often outweighs state tax on…
Paid Family Leave Payroll Deductions by State
Which states deduct paid family and medical leave premiums from paychecks, how the deductions work, and a Connecticut example with real numbers.
New York City Income Tax and Your Paycheck
NYC income tax applies to residents of the five boroughs. Here's how it's withheld, who doesn't owe it, and how to estimate…
New York vs Florida: Take-Home Pay Compared
2026 paycheck estimates comparing New York and Florida at three salaries, including New York SDI and how NYC tax widens the gap.