Why is my paycheck lower than I expected?

The most common reasons are pre-tax and FICA deductions you may have overlooked, a higher tax bracket as year-to-date pay rises, a new or changed benefit election, or a W-4 update. The dedicated guide above walks through each cause.

Why was my bonus taxed at 22%?

Bonuses are treated as supplemental wages, which employers commonly withhold at the flat 22% federal rate (37% on amounts above $1,000,000 a year). It is a withholding rule, not your final tax rate — your actual liability is settled when you file.

My net pay changed even though my salary did not. Why?

Net pay can shift when Social Security stops at the annual wage base, when a benefit cost or 401(k) rate changes, when you cross a tax threshold, or when a one-off item like a bonus or correction lands in that period.

Paycheck Problems, Common Issues Explained (US)

Paycheck Problems

When a paycheck looks wrong, there is usually a specific, explainable reason behind it. These guides cover the questions US workers ask most often — why net pay dropped, why a bonus seemed to be taxed heavily, how overtime is handled, and what to check on a pay stub.

In short

Most paycheck surprises trace back to a handful of causes: pre-tax and FICA deductions, the flat 22% supplemental withholding on bonuses, Social Security stopping once you hit the annual wage base, a changed benefit or W-4, or a one-off item in that pay period. The guides below explain each one so you can match the symptom on your stub to its cause.

PayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, accounting, employment, benefits, or payroll advice. PayslipIQ is not a CPA firm, law firm, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax authority. Always verify your paycheck, deductions, withholdings, and tax position with your employer's payroll department, a qualified CPA, the IRS, your state tax authority, or another appropriately qualified professional. Calculations are estimates; your actual paycheck may differ based on factors specific to your employer, location, benefits elections, and personal tax situation.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my paycheck lower than I expected?: The most common reasons are pre-tax and FICA deductions you may have overlooked, a higher tax bracket as year-to-date pay rises, a new or changed benefit election, or a W-4 update. The dedicated guide above walks through each cause.
Why was my bonus taxed at 22%?: Bonuses are treated as supplemental wages, which employers commonly withhold at the flat 22% federal rate (37% on amounts above $1,000,000 a year). It is a withholding rule, not your final tax rate — your actual liability is settled when you file.
My net pay changed even though my salary did not. Why?: Net pay can shift when Social Security stops at the annual wage base, when a benefit cost or 401(k) rate changes, when you cross a tax threshold, or when a one-off item like a bonus or correction lands in that period.