First Paycheck
Why your $576 turns into $451.
Move the sliders to match your job, then watch gross pay become net pay one line at a time.
Your job
Set your hours, pay rate, and pay period.
Gross pay
$576
Total withheld
$125
Net pay (what lands)
$451
Line by line
- −$57.60
Federal income tax withheld
Set by what you put on your W-4.
- −$35.71
Social Security (FICA)
6.2% — funds retirement and disability benefits.
- −$8.35
Medicare (FICA)
1.45% — funds health coverage for older adults.
- −$23.04
State income tax
Varies by state; some states withhold nothing.
What a W-4 does
You fill out a W-4 when you're hired. It tells your employer how much federal tax to hold back from each paycheck. Claim too little withholding and you may owe money at tax time; claim too much and you've handed the government an interest-free loan you get back as a refund.
What a W-2 does
Your employer sends a W-2 each January summarizing what you earned and what was withheld for the year. You use it to file a tax return. Many teens who worked part-time get a refund — but only if they actually file.
Simplified educational estimate using flat withholding rates. Your real paycheck depends on your W-4, state, locality, and benefits. Not tax advice.