Anatomy of a Paycheck & Pay Stub

Understanding the different components of a paycheck can be intimidating and confusing. However, knowing what information is included in each pay stub and how that affects your overall financial picture is essential. This guide will provide an overview of the anatomy of a paycheck, break down the various sections and terminology found on a standard paycheck stub, and explain how the information contributes to your overall financial well-being. 

How to Read a Paycheck

Reading a paycheck can be tricky, especially in the age of direct deposit, but understanding how it works is vital for managing your finances. Below is a breakdown of the various components of a typical paycheck. 

What Information is on a Paystub?

A pay stub is a summary of the wages you have earned in a specific payroll period. It is issued to employees by employers and serves as an essential record of income received, as well as any deductions that were taken out of the overall total. 

Gross Pay vs. Net Pay

Gross Pay is the total amount of money an employee earns before any deductions are taken. This includes salary, wages, bonuses, tips, and commissions. It is important to note that gross pay does not include taxes or other payroll deductions such as health insurance premiums or retirement contributions.

Net pay is the total amount of money an employee earns after all deductions have been taken out. This includes taxes and other payroll deductions, such as health insurance premiums or retirement contributions. Net pay represents the actual amount of money that will be deposited in an employee's bank account, sometimes referred to as “take-home pay”.

Mandatory and Benefit Deductions

Standard mandatory deductions include state and federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and applicable local taxes. Other deductions may include child support payments and garnishments.

Standard benefit deductions include health insurance premiums, 401(k) contributions, life insurance premiums, disability insurance premiums, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and commuter benefits.

Understanding how your paycheck breaks down can help you make better financial decisions and plan for the future. Knowing what deductions are taken out of each pay stub will give you a better idea of how much money you have available to spend or save after taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, etc., are taken out. Ultimately, understanding the anatomy of a paycheck can help you better manage your money and plan for the future. 

Check out our infographic above for more details!

Anatomy of a Paycheck and Its Deductions

Understanding the deductions of each paycheck can help you plan for your future financial goals. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the various deductions taken out of each pay stub and how they affect your overall financial picture each pay cycle. 

What Kind of Deductions Are Taken Out of a Paycheck?

Most paychecks include deductions for taxes, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other benefits. Depending on your employer, you may also have deductions for childcare expenses or student loan payments. It's essential to be aware of the different types of deductions taken out of each paycheck so that you can plan and budget accordingly. 

Income Taxes (Federal, State, and Local)

Federal income tax is when you pay money to the federal government, while state and local income tax is when you pay money to the state and your city or town, respectively. Taxes are typically taken out of your paycheck throughout the year and reduce how much money you get to take home. 

Social Security

Social Security taxes are money you pay towards your Social Security retirement benefits from the federal government; how much you pay for social security taxes depends on your overall earnings as an employee.

Benefit Deductions (Health Insurance, Retirement)

Health insurance deductions are taken out of an employee's paycheck to cover the cost of their health insurance premiums. Depending on the type of coverage, this could include medical, vision, and dental insurance premiums. These payments are usually taken out before taxes, reducing the money you will get at the end of the pay period.

Retirement contributions are taken from employees' paychecks to fund retirement savings plans. Depending on your employer and the type of retirement plan you have, these contributions may be matched up to a certain amount by your employer.

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are special accounts that can help pay for unexpected medical costs. You can put money into them from your paycheck, and the government will typically give you a tax break when you file in April. 

Why Is It Important to Understand Deductions?

Ensuring accuracy is critical when it comes to deductions from a paycheck. Understanding the different types of deductions and how they are taken out can help you ensure that the proper amounts are deducted from each pay stub. You should also review your pay stubs regularly for errors or overpayments to know you're getting what you are owed from each paycheck.

By understanding the anatomy of your paycheck, you can establish a budget that works for you and ensure you have enough money to pay your bills and save for the future. Knowing what deductions are taken from each paycheck can help you plan and ensure your finances are in order as well.

Horizon is a Trusted Partner for Payroll, HR, & Tax Compliance

At Horizon, we work with small to medium-sized businesses to ensure the accuracy of their payroll and help with their tax compliance needs. Check out our full list of solutions and contact us today for a consultation! 

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Horizon has been a trusted partner for businesses since 1997. Our team offers top-rated business solutions and award-winning customer service to ensure your payroll, HR, and tax compliance needs are handled correctly and efficiently! 

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