Paycheck & Tax Guides
Understanding your paycheck shouldn't require a tax degree. These guides explain — in plain English — how US payroll taxes work, what every line on your pay stub means, and how to estimate the money that actually lands in your account. Each one pairs with our free paycheck calculator.
How Paycheck Taxes Work: A Complete US Guide
A plain-English overview of every tax taken out of a US paycheck — federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax — and how each one is calculated.
Read guide8 min readWhat Is FICA? Social Security and Medicare Explained
FICA is the 7.65% payroll tax on your paycheck. Learn how Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) work, the wage base limit, and the Additional Medicare Tax.
Read guide7 min read2025 Federal Income Tax Brackets and Standard Deduction
The full 2025 federal income tax brackets for every filing status, the standard deduction amounts, and how marginal tax rates actually work with worked examples.
Read guide8 min readHow to Read Your Pay Stub: Every Line Explained
Confused by your pay stub? This guide breaks down gross pay, every deduction code (FICA, FIT, SIT), pre-tax vs post-tax items, and year-to-date totals.
Read guide7 min readGross Pay vs Net Pay: What's the Difference?
Gross pay is what you earn; net pay is what you keep. Learn the difference, why the gap exists, and how to estimate your real take-home pay.
Read guide6 min read9 States With No Income Tax (2025)
Nine US states charge no state income tax on wages. See the full list, what it means for your paycheck, and the trade-offs in other taxes.
Read guide7 min read