First Job

Should I Claim 0 or 1 on My W-4? The Answer Has Changed

The post-2020 W-4 has no allowances. Here is what to do instead.

Your First Paycheck: Why It Is Smaller Than You Expected

Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare explained with a worked paycheck example.

How to Fill Out a W-4 for Your First Job: Step by Step

The 5-step W-4 walkthrough for single filers with no dependents.

First W-4 for a Tips or Overtime Job: What to Enter

How OBBBA deductions affect your W-4 setup for tips and overtime jobs.

What Tax Bracket Am I In? A Starter Guide for New Workers

Most first-job workers are in the 10% or 12% bracket. Here is how progressive taxation works.

Part-Time Student Job: Do I Owe Taxes?

Below the standard deduction, no income tax is owed. But FICA still applies.

Starting a Job Mid-Year: Why Withholding Overshoots

Payroll annualization assumes full-year income. Mid-year starters get over-withheld.

How to Fill Out Your W-4 to Get More Money Each Paycheck

Step 4(b) deductions reduce withholding. The trade-off: more per paycheck, smaller refund.

FICA on Your First Paycheck: Social Security and Medicare Explained

The 7.65% combined tax that funds Social Security and Medicare, from your very first dollar.