Understand your pay

Lessons

1. 1 How to read your pay stub What every line on a US pay stub means, in plain English. Gross pay, pre-tax deductions, federal withholding, FICA, state taxes and net pay. 3 min read Mark as done : How to read your pay stub
2. 2 Marginal vs effective tax rate: how tax brackets work (2026) How the 2026 federal tax brackets work, your marginal vs effective tax rate, and why a raise or bonus never lowers your take-home pay. 3 min read Mark as done : Marginal vs effective tax rate: how tax brackets work (2026)
3. 3 What is FICA? Social Security and Medicare tax explained FICA is the 7.65% Social Security and Medicare tax taken from almost every paycheck. What it is, how much you pay in 2026 and what lowers it. 3 min read Mark as done : What is FICA? Social Security and Medicare tax explained
4. 4 How to fill out a W-4 (2026) A step-by-step guide to the 2026 Form W-4, with what's new for tips, overtime and people 65 or older, and how each step changes your paycheck. 4 min read Mark as done : How to fill out a W-4 (2026)
5. 5 Why is my bonus taxed at 22%? Why bonuses have 22% federal tax withheld, what else comes off, whether you really pay more tax on a bonus, and what you'll get back or owe at tax time. 3 min read Mark as done : Why is my bonus taxed at 22%?
6. 6 The 9 states with no income tax in 2026 Which states have no income tax, how much more you take home there, the payroll taxes some still charge, and why it doesn't always mean low taxes. 3 min read Mark as done : The 9 states with no income tax in 2026
7. 7 Benefits and tax credits you might be missing (US) The Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and other US credits and benefits for working people and families, and how to check what you qualify for. 3 min read Mark as done : Benefits and tax credits you might be missing (US)