Taxes & Paychecks·1 min lesson

Where Did My Paycheck Go?

Follow gross pay through taxes, benefits, and retirement deductions.

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The short version

Gross pay is earnings before deductions. Net pay is what reaches the bank after taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and other payroll items.

Withholding is an estimate of tax sent ahead; it is not necessarily the final tax bill. Benefits may also reduce the amount deposited while providing value.

Budget with reliable take-home pay, not the salary headline.

2 min challenge

Decode Your Paycheck

You earn $100. Your paycheck takes out $20. How much reaches your bank?

Fictional educational simulation. It does not use your financial information or guarantee an outcome.