Free Pay Stub Explainer
Enter the values from your pay stub and get a clear, plain-English explanation of every deduction, what it means, and whether the amounts look right.
Enter Your Pay Stub
Enter the amounts from your pay stub to get a plain-English explanation of each line item.
Your total earnings before any deductions
Life insurance, HSA, union dues, garnishments, etc.
We'll compare this to your calculated net to check for discrepancies
Enter your pay stub values
We'll explain each line item in plain English
Understanding Your Paycheck
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax
Pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA) reduce your taxable income, saving you money. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401k, some insurance) come out after taxes are calculated.
FICA Taxes
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are collectively called FICA taxes. Your employer pays a matching amount. These fund retirement and healthcare benefits.
Adjusting Your Withholding
If too much or too little federal tax is being withheld, you can submit a new W-4 to your employer. Use the IRS withholding estimator to find the right amount.