Find your gross pay for the pay period
Subtract pre-tax deductions such as 401(k), health insurance, and HSA contributions
Calculate federal income tax using your filing status, W-4 details, and IRS withholding tables or tax brackets
Calculate Social Security tax by multiplying taxable wages by 6.2% up to the annual wage limit
Calculate Medicare tax by multiplying taxable wages by 1.45%
Add Additional Medicare Tax if your wages exceed the annual threshold
Calculate state income tax if your state has one, using your state’s withholding rules
Calculate local income tax if applicable in your area
Subtract all taxes and deductions from gross pay to get net pay
Compare your paycheck stub to your calculations to verify the amounts