Reading a Paystub

DIRECTIONS: Determine what letter is associated with each of the following items on a
paystub. Then, write your OWN definition of each part of the paystub, using COMPLETE
SENTENCES in your OWN words.

Item

Gross Pay

2
3
4

Federal Withholding
Tax

Letter
D

Gross pay is what you would be paid before

deductions.

Federal withholding tax is what is deducted from

your paycheck for the federal government.

Social Security is what is deducted from your

paycheck for the countrys retirement money.

Social Security
Deductions
E,F,G,
H,I

5
6
7
8
9

10

Definition in a Complete Sentence

Year-to-Date
State Withholding
Tax

Deductions are what is taken out of your gross pay.

The year-to-date is the total money that will be

deducted from your paycheck in a year.

States withholding tax is what is taken out of your

paycheck for the state government.

The pay period is the amount of time youre being

paid for.

Medical insurance is taken out of your paycheck and

goes towards paying your health insurance.

The net pay is what youre being paid after

deductions.

Retirement/401 k is taken out of your paycheck to

pay for your own retirement.

Pay Period
Medical Insurance
Net Pay

Retirement