The editorial desk · 2026

Paycheck intelligence

Original articles on withholding, brackets, payroll law and the mechanics of your paycheck — written by us, reviewed against the same 2026 tables that power the calculator. No syndicated filler.

Tax lawOctober 17, 2026·5 min read

"No Tax on Tips" in 2026: The $25,000 Deduction, Translated

Tips are still withheld and still pay FICA all year — the new law is a deduction claimed at filing time. The $25,000 cap, the phase-outs, and who actually qualifies.

Read the article

Tax year 2026October 1, 2026·5 min read

2026 Tax Brackets: What Actually Changed in Your Paycheck

The 2026 federal brackets, standard deduction and Social Security wage base all moved. Here is what the inflation adjustments mean in real per-paycheck dollars.

Read the article

PaychecksOctober 2, 2026·4 min read

The 27-Payday Year: Why 2026 Paychecks Look Smaller for Federal Employees

Many federal payroll calendars pay 27 times in 2026 instead of 26. Why it happens, what it does to each check, and why your annual salary is untouched.

Read the article

WithholdingOctober 2, 2026·6 min read

How to Fill Out a W-4 in 2026: The Five Steps, Translated

The modern W-4 has no allowances and confuses almost everyone. A plain-English walkthrough of Steps 1 through 5, and which ones you can skip.

Read the article

Tax lawOctober 3, 2026·5 min read

"No Tax on Overtime": What the 2025 Law Actually Does to Your 2026 Paycheck

The overtime deduction is real but widely misunderstood. Overtime is still withheld from each check — the break arrives when you file. Here are the actual mechanics.

Read the article

PaychecksOctober 3, 2026·4 min read

Why Your Bonus Looks Over-Taxed: The 22% Flat Rate, Explained

Bonuses feel punished at 22% federal withholding — then the annual return evens the score. How supplemental withholding works and when you get money back.

Read the article

RelocationOctober 4, 2026·5 min read

Moving States? How Much Your Paycheck Really Changes

The salary is the same; the paycheck is not. A framework for comparing states honestly — income tax, local taxes, and the numbers nobody puts in the offer letter.

Read the article

RetirementOctober 4, 2026·4 min read

Age 50 and Up: The $8,000 Catch-Up Most People Never Claim

The catch-up contribution lets workers 50+ shelter an extra $8,000 in 2026 — $32,500 total in a 401(k) or TSP. How it stacks and what it does to take-home pay.

Read the article

RetirementOctober 5, 2026·5 min read

Pre-Tax vs Roth 401(k): What Each One Does to This Month's Paycheck

Same contribution, different paycheck. Pre-tax shrinks your check less today; Roth pays the tax now and never again. A paycheck-first framework for choosing.

Read the article