Find your gross pay for the pay period
Determine your filing status and tax allowances or W-4 settings
Subtract pre-tax deductions such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and HSA/FSA contributions
Calculate federal income tax withholding using IRS tax tables or payroll software
Calculate Social Security tax by multiplying taxable wages by 6.2%
Calculate Medicare tax by multiplying taxable wages by 1.45%
Add Additional Medicare tax if your wages exceed the threshold for your filing status
Calculate state income tax withholding if your state has income tax
Calculate local income tax withholding if applicable
Subtract post-tax deductions such as garnishments, Roth contributions, or union dues
Add all taxes and deductions together
Subtract total taxes and deductions from gross pay to get net pay
Use year-to-date totals to verify withholding accuracy