Paycheck Guide · Pay Stub · 2026
Understanding Your Pay Stub: Every Deduction Explained (2026)
Last updated:
Your pay stub shows gross pay, every deduction, and your final net take-home. Knowing what each line means helps you spot errors and make better financial decisions.
Pay stub line by line
| Line item | What it is | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | Total before deductions | Your salary / hourly rate |
| Federal income tax | IRS withholding per W-4 | IRS Pub 15-T |
| Social Security | 6.2% up to wage base | FICA |
| Medicare | 1.45% of wages | FICA |
| State income tax | Varies by state | State DOR |
| 401(k) pre-tax | Your contribution | Your election |
| Health insurance | Pre-tax premium when eligible | Your plan |
| Net pay | Take-home | All above subtracted |
Sample pay stub for $75,000 in California
| Line item | Per biweekly paycheck | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $2,885 | $75,000 |
| Federal tax | $295 | $7,670 |
| Social Security | $179 | $4,650 |
| Medicare | $42 | $1,088 |
| CA state tax | $161 | $4,195 |
| Net pay | $2,208 | $57,397 |
Engine-computed example assumes a $75,000 salary, California, single filer, biweekly pay, standard W-4, and no pre-tax deductions.
Compare your pay stub with a personalized estimate.
Estimate your net pay →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my take-home less than I expected?
Multiple deductions stack: federal withholding, FICA, state withholding, benefit premiums, retirement contributions, and any local or post-tax deductions can all reduce net pay.
What is YTD on a pay stub?
YTD means year-to-date. It is the cumulative total for a pay-stub line since the start of the calendar year.
Can my employer make deductions without notice?
Generally no. Many payroll deductions require authorization or a legal basis. Ask payroll for the deduction code and review applicable federal, state, and employment documents.
How do I check if my tax withholding is correct?
Use ExactTakeHome to compare your gross pay, filing status, state, pay frequency, and W-4 choices against the withholding shown on your pay stub.
Figures and methods are based on official-source data encoded in the calculator. Not tax advice. Review the methodology and consult a qualified professional for your situation.
Data sources: IRS Publication 15-T (2026) · Social Security Administration (wage base: $184,500)
Last verified: by ExactTakeHome Team
Ready to calculate your exact take-home pay? Try the Paycheck Calculator ->