What works today
1. Calculate gross pay
For salary pay, annual salary is divided by your number of pay periods. For hourly pay, your rate and regular weekly hours are annualized over 52 weeks, then divided by pay periods. Entered overtime hours are calculated separately using the displayed multiplier.
Weekly pay uses 52 periods, biweekly 26, semimonthly 24 and monthly 12. These are annualized estimates; an employer's calendar can differ.
2. Collect W-4 and deduction details
The form collects filing status and W-4 Steps 2–4, plus pre-tax and post-tax deductions. These inputs do not currently change gross pay or produce tax results. Traditional 401(k) contributions do not reduce Social Security or Medicare wages. Each deduction must affect only the taxes it legally reduces.
3. Verify rules before showing withholding
Federal withholding must use IRS Publication 15-T methods, not a flat percentage. Social Security and Medicare require their own verified rules. State and local coverage will be released only after checking official sources, tax years and effective dates.
- No unverified federal, state or local rates
- No tax numbers displayed as examples
- No take-home result until the required rules are available
Estimates, not an official pay stub
Your employer's rounding, pay dates, benefits and payroll rules can differ. A paycheck estimate is not a tax return, a statement of final tax liability, or tax or legal advice.