Plain-English explanations of the specific deductions and rules that shape your take-home pay — each one grounded in the same 2026 figures the calculator uses.
Overtime pay & tax withholding
Why an overtime-heavy check looks more taxed than it really is.
Bonus tax withholding
The flat 22% percentage method vs the aggregate method.
Section 125 cafeteria plans
How pre-tax health and FSA deductions lower more than just income tax.
Social Security tax, explained
The flat 6.2% rate and the $184,500 wage base cap.
Medicare tax, explained
The uncapped 1.45% and the additional 0.9% surtax.
How your paycheck is built →
The full step-by-step overview, if you're starting from scratch.