Everyone will see certain mandatory deductions on their paycheck, regardless of individual choices. These common deductions include:
- Federal income tax withheld based on the employee's W-4 form
- Social Security tax (6.2% up to the annual wage limit)
- Medicare tax (1.45%, with an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000)
- State and local income taxes, where applicable
- Any court-ordered wage garnishments, such as child support or unpaid debts
- Contributions to state-specific programs like unemployment tax or disability insurance (depending on location)
These mandatory deductions are required by law and will appear on every paycheck.
In sum, every paycheck will show deductions for federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and applicable state and local taxes. Other deductions may vary based on legal orders or state requirements, but these are common to all employees.