How much tax is taken out of my check?

Question

I am payed $8.50 an hour and work 10 hours a week. My first paycheck comes in on the 1st and I was wondering how much tax will be taken out. I have done research on the internet and haven't found anything to help me out. I am 16 if that has anything to do with the tax takeout.

Thanks!

Answer 1

On $85 a week they'll take out $6.50 for social security and medicare.  They probably won't take out anything for federal income tax.  Depending on where you live, there might be deductions for state or local taxes.

Answer 2

You had to fill out a W4 form when you started and they asked how many dependents you have.  Since you're only 16, that means your parents are probably claiming you, so I bet you put down "0."  Go back to your employer and write down "exempt" instead.  You won't make enough money in a year to pay income taxes, and therefore you don't want any money taken out for taxes.

However, you can't avoid FICA taxes (social security and medicare).  That represents about 8%.

Answer 3

You need to look at Publication 15 on the IRS website www.irs.gov

It will give you the calculation for your federal tax withholding based on how you filled out your W-4 form.

For the lowest tax bracket it would be:

7.65% for social security.

Less than 10% for federal withholding.

Do you have state withholding?  Here it is 4.35%

And do you have local city taxes?  Here it is 1%

Total for Michigan about 23%

But, if you make less than $5,000 per year you will not have to have federal taxes withheld.  You will still have to have the social security withheld - but each state is different.