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401(k) Taxes: Rules on Withdrawals and Contributions

Employer-sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k) are a common way for workers to save for retirement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a little more than half of private industry employees participate in a retirement plan at work. So participants need to understand how 401(k) taxes work to take advantage of this popular retirement savings tool.

With a traditional 401(k) plan, employees can contribute a portion of their salary to an account with various investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cash.

There are two main types of workplace 401(k) plans: a traditional 401(k) plan and a Roth 401(k). The 401(k) tax rules depend on which plan an employee participates in.

Traditional 401(k) Tax Rules

When it comes to this employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, here are key things to know about 401(k) taxes and 401(k) withdrawal tax.

Recommended: Understanding the Different Types of Retirement Plans

401(k) Contributions Are Made With Pre-tax Income

One of the biggest advantages of a 401(k) is its tax break on contributions. When you contribute to a 401(k), the money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes are taken out, which reduces your taxable income for the year. This means that you’ll pay less in income tax, which can save you a significant amount of money over time.

If you’re contributing to your company’s 401(k), each time you receive a paycheck, a self-determined portion of it is deposited into your 401(k) account before taxes are taken out, and the rest is taxed and paid to you.

For 2025, participants can contribute up to $23,500 each year to a 401(k) plan, plus $7,500 in catch-up contributions if they’re 50 or older. The contribution limits are up from 2024, when the limit was $23,000. The annual catch-up amount is unchanged at $7,500.

But now there is an extra catch-up provision: For 2025, those ages 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 per year instead of $7,500, thanks to SECURE 2.0 — for a total of $34,750.

401(k) Contributions Lower Your Taxable Income

The more you contribute to your 401(k) account, the lower your taxable income is in that year. If you contribute 15% of your income to your 401(k), for instance, you’ll only owe taxes on 85% of your income.

Withdrawals From a 401(k) Account Are Taxable

When you take withdrawals from your 401(k) account in retirement, you’ll be taxed on your contributions and any earnings accrued over time.

The withdrawals count as taxable income, so during the years you withdraw funds from your 401(k) account, you will owe taxes in your retirement income tax bracket.

Early 401(k) Withdrawals Come With Taxes and Penalties

If you withdraw money from your 401(k) before age 59 ½, you’ll owe both income taxes and a 10% tax penalty on the distribution.

Although individual retirement accounts (IRAs) allow penalty-free early withdrawals for qualified first-time homebuyers and qualified higher education expenses, that is not true for 401(k) plans.

That said, if an employee leaves a company during or after the year they turn 55, they can start taking distributions from their 401(k) account without paying taxes or early withdrawal penalties.

Can you take out a loan or hardship withdrawal from your plan assets? Many plans do allow that up to a certain amount, but withdrawing money from a retirement account means you lose out on the compound growth from funds withdrawn. You will also have to pay interest (yes, to yourself) on the loan.

Roth 401(k) Tax Rules

Here are some tax rules for the Roth 401(k).

Your Roth 401(k) Contributions Are Made With After-Tax Income

When it comes to taxes, a Roth 401(k) works the opposite way of a traditional 401(k). Your contributions are post-tax, meaning you pay taxes on the money in the year you contribute.

If you have a Roth 401(k) and your company offers a 401(k) match, that matching contribution will go into a pre-tax account, which would be a traditional 401(k) account. So you would essentially have a Roth 401(k) made up of your own contributions and a traditional 401(k) of your employer’s contributions.

Recommended: How an Employer 401(k) Match Works

Roth 401(k) Contributions Do Not Lower Your Taxable Income

When you have Roth 401(k) contributions automatically deducted from your paycheck, your full paycheck amount will be taxed, and then money will be transferred to your Roth 401(k).

For instance, if you’re making $50,000 and contributing 10% to a Roth 401(k), $5,000 will be deposited into your Roth 401(k) annually, but you’ll still be taxed on the full $50,000.

Roth 401(k) Withdrawals Are Tax-Free

When you take money from your Roth 401(k) in retirement, the distributions are tax-free, including your contributions and any earnings that have accrued (as long as you’ve had the account for at least five years).

No matter what your tax bracket is in retirement, qualified withdrawals from your Roth 401(k) are not counted as taxable income.

There Are Limits on Roth 401(k) Withdrawals

In order for a withdrawal from a Roth 401(k) to count as a qualified distribution — meaning, it won’t be taxed — an employee must be age 59 ½ or older and have held the account for at least five years.

If you make a withdrawal before this point — even if you’re age 61 but have only held the account since age 58 — the withdrawal would be considered an early, or unqualified, withdrawal. If this happens, you would owe taxes on any earnings you withdraw and could pay a 10% penalty.

Early withdrawals are prorated according to the ratio of contributions to earnings in the account. For instance, if your Roth 401(k) had $100,000 in it, made up of $70,000 in contributions and $30,000 in earnings, your early withdrawals would be made up of 70% contributions and 30% earnings. Hence, you would owe taxes and potentially penalties on 30% of your early withdrawal.

If the plan allows it, you can take a loan from your Roth 401(k), just like a traditional 401(k), and the same rules and limits apply to how much you can borrow. Any Roth 401(k) loan amount will be combined with outstanding loans from that plan or any other plan your employer maintains to determine your loan limits.

You Can Roll Roth 401(k) Money Into a Roth IRA

Money in a Roth 401(k) account can be rolled into a Roth IRA. Like an employer-sponsored Roth 401(k), a Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars.

One of the significant differences between a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA is that the 401(k) requires participants to start taking required minimum distributions at age 72, but there is no such requirement for a Roth IRA.

It’s important to note, however, that there’s also a five-year rule for Roth IRAs: Earnings cannot be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free from a Roth IRA until five years after the account’s first contribution. If you roll a Roth 401(k) into a new Roth IRA, the five-year clock starts over at that time.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a 401(k) Rollover?

If you do a direct rollover of your 401(k) into an IRA or another eligible retirement account, you generally won’t have to pay taxes on the rollover. However, if you receive the funds from your 401(k) and then roll them over yourself within 60 days, you may have to pay taxes on the amount rolled over, as the IRS will treat it as a distribution from the 401(k).

Recommended: How to Roll Over Your 401(k)

Do You Have to Pay 401(k) Taxes after 59 ½?

If you have a traditional 401(k), you will generally have to pay taxes on withdrawals after age 59 ½. This is because the money you contributed to the 401(k) was not taxed when you earned it, so it’s considered income when you withdraw it in retirement.

However, if you have a Roth 401(k), you can withdraw your contributions and earnings tax-free in retirement as long as you meet certain requirements, such as being at least 59 ½ and having had the account for at least five years.

Do You Pay 401(k) Taxes on Employer Contributions?

The taxation of employer contributions to a 401(k) depends on whether the account is a traditional or Roth 401(k).

In the case of traditional 401(k) contributions, the employer contributions are not included in your taxable income for the year they are made, but you will pay taxes on them when you withdraw the funds from the 401(k) in retirement.

In the case of Roth contributions, the employer contributions are not included in a post-tax Roth 401(k) but rather in a pre-tax traditional 401(k) account. So, you do not pay taxes on the employer contributions in a Roth 401(k), but you do pay taxes on withdrawals.

How Can I Avoid 401(k) Taxes on My Withdrawal?

The only way to avoid taxes on 401(k) withdrawals is to take advantage of a Roth 401(k), as noted above. With a Roth 401(k), your contributions are made post-tax, but withdrawals are tax-free if you meet certain criteria to avoid the penalties mentioned above.

However, even if you have to pay taxes on your 401(k) withdrawals, you can take the following steps to minimize your taxes.

Consider Your Tax Bracket

Contributing to a traditional 401(k) is essentially a bet that you’ll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement — you’re choosing to forgo taxes now and pay taxes later.

Contributing to a Roth 401(k) takes the opposite approach: Pay taxes now, so you don’t have to pay taxes later. The best approach for you will depend on your income, your tax situation, and your future tax treatment expectations.

Strategize Your Account Mix

Having savings in different accounts — both pre-tax and post-tax — may offer more flexibility in retirement.

For instance, if you need to make a large purchase, such as a vacation home or a car, it may be helpful to be able to pull the income from a source that doesn’t trigger a taxable event. This might mean a retirement strategy that includes a traditional 401(k), a Roth IRA, and a taxable brokerage account.

Decide Where To Live

Eight U.S. states don’t charge individual income tax at all: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. And New Hampshire only taxes interest and dividend income.

This can affect your tax planning if you live in a tax-free state now or intend to live in a tax-free state in retirement.

The Takeaway

Saving for retirement is one of the best ways to prepare for a secure future. And understanding the tax rules for 401(k) withdrawals and contributions is essential for effective retirement planning. By educating yourself on the rules and regulations surrounding 401(k) taxes, you can optimize your retirement savings and minimize your tax burden.

Another strategy to help stay on top of your retirement savings is to roll over a previous 401(k) to a rollover IRA. Then you can manage your money in one place.

SoFi makes the rollover process seamless. The process is automated so there’s no need to watch the mail for your 401(k) check — and there are no rollover fees or taxes.

Easily manage your retirement savings with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Do you get taxed on your 401(k)?

You either pay taxes on your 401(k) contributions — in the case of a Roth 401(k) — or on your traditional 401(k) withdrawals in retirement.

When can you withdraw from 401(k) tax free?

You can withdraw from a Roth 401(k) tax-free if you have had the account for at least five years and are over age 59 ½. With a traditional 401(k), withdrawals are generally subject to income tax.

How can I avoid paying taxes on my 401(k)?

You never truly avoid paying taxes on a 401(k), as you either have to pay taxes on contributions or withdrawals, depending on the type of 401(k) account. By contributing to a Roth 401(k) instead of a traditional 401(k), you can withdraw your contributions and earnings tax-free in retirement.


SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Update: The deadline for making IRA contributions for tax year 2020 has been extended to May 17, 2021.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Treasury Bills (T-Bills)

U.S. government-backed securities like Treasury bills (T-bills) provide a way to invest with minimal risk. These debt instruments are one of several different types of Treasury securities including Treasury notes (T-notes) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds).

Unlike other treasuries, however, T-bills don’t pay interest. Rather, investors buy T-bills at a discount to par (the face value).

Investors looking for a low-risk investment with a short time horizon and a modest return may find T-bills an attractive investment. T-bills have minimal default risk and maturities of a year or less. But Treasury bill rates are typically lower than those of some other investments.

Key Points

•   T-bills are short-term investments that offer a guaranteed rate of return.

•   Investors don’t receive coupon, or interest, payments. The return is the discount rate.

•   T-bills have a near-zero risk of default.

•   Investors can buy T-bills directly from TreasuryDirect.gov, or on the secondary market using a brokerage account.

What Is a Treasury Bill (T-Bill)?

Treasury bills are debt instruments issued by the U.S. government. They are short-term securities and are issued with maturity dates ranging from 4 weeks to one year. It may be possible to buy T-bills on the secondary market with maturities as short as a few days.

How Treasury Bills Work

Essentially, when an individual buys a T-bill, they are lending money to the U.S. government. In general, T-bills are considered very low risk, since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which has never defaulted on its debts.

T-bills are sold at a discount to their par, or face value. They are essentially zero-coupon bonds. They don’t pay interest, unlike other types of Treasuries (and coupon bonds); rather the difference between the discount price and the face value is like an interest payment.

T-Bill Purchase Example

While all securities have a face value, also known as the par value, typically investors purchase Treasury bills at a discount to par. Then, when the T-bill matures, investors receive the full face value amount. So, if they purchased a treasury bill for less than it was worth, they would receive a greater amount when it matures.

Example

Suppose an investor purchases a 52-week T-bill for $4,500 with a par value of $5,000, a 5% discount. Since the government promises to repay the full value of the T-bill when it expires, the investors will receive $5,000 at maturity, and realize a profit or yield of $500.

In the example above, the discount rate of the T-bill is 5% — and that is also the yield. But examples aside, the actual 52-week Treasury bill rate, as of Feb. 1, 2024, is 4.46%.

Recommended: How to Buy Treasury Bills, Bonds, and Notes

T-Bill Maturities

Understanding the maturity date of a T-bill is important. This is the length of time you’ll hold the bill before you redeem it for the full face value. Maturity dates affect the discount rate, with longer maturities generally offering a higher discount/return, but interest rates will influence the discount.

The government issues T-bills at regular auctions, in four-, eight-, 13-, 17-, 26-, and 52-week terms, in increments ranging from $100 to $10 million. The minimum T-bill purchase from TreasuryDirect.gov is $100.

Some investors may create ladders (similar to bond ladders), which allow them to roll their T-bills at maturity into more T-bills. Although T-bill rates are fixed, and because their maturities are so short, they don’t have much sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations.

💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

How to Purchase T-Bills

You can purchase T-bills at regular government auctions on TreasuryDirect, or on the secondary market, from your brokerage account.

Buying From Treasury Direct

Noncompetitive bids: With a noncompetitive bill, the investor accepts the discount prices that were established at the Treasuries auction, which are an average of the bids submitted.

Since the investor will receive the full value of the T-bill when the term expires, some investors often favor this simple technique of investing in T-bills.

Competitive bid: With a competitive bid, all investors propose the discount rate they are prepared to pay for a given T-bill. The lowest discount rate offers are selected first. If investors don’t propose enough low bids to complete the entire order, the auction will move onto the next lowest bid and so on until the entire order is filled.

Buying and Selling on the Secondary Market

Another option is to purchase or sell T-bills on the secondary market, using a standard brokerage account.

Investors can also trade exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that may include T-bills that were released in the past.

Redemption and Interest Earnings on T-Bills

As noted above, although T-bills are debt instruments and an investor’s loan is repaid “with interest,” T-Bills don’t have a coupon payment the way some bonds do. Rather, investors buy T-bills at a discount, and the difference between the lower purchase price and the higher face value is effectively the interest payment when the T-bill matures.

When a T-bill matures, investors can redeem it for cash at Treasury.gov.

T-bill purchases and redemptions are now fully digital. Paper T-bills are no longer available.

Tax Implications for T-Bill Investors

Gains from all Treasuries, including T-bills, are taxed at the federal level; i.e. they are taxed as income on your federal income tax return.

Treasury gains are exempt from state and local income tax.

Comparing T-Bills to Treasury Notes and Bonds

The U.S. government offers a number of debt instruments, including Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds. The difference between them is their maturity dates, which can also affect interest rates and discount rates.

Treasury Notes

Investors can purchase Treasury notes (or T-notes) in quantities of $1,000 and with terms ranging from two to 10 years. Treasury notes pay interest, known as coupon payments, bi-annually.

Treasury Bonds

Out of all Treasury securities, Treasury bonds have the most extended maturity terms: up to 30 years. Like T-notes, Treasury bonds pay interest every six months. And when the bond matures the entire value of the bond is repaid.

Recommended: How to Buy Bonds: A Guide for Beginners

Considerations When Investing in T-Bills

Like any other investments, it’s important to understand how T-bills work, the pros and cons, and how they can fit into your portfolio.

What Influences T-Bill Prices in the Market?

Although any T-bill you buy offers a guaranteed yield at maturity, because T-bills are short-term debt the discount rates (and therefore the yield) can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market conditions, interest rates, and inflation.

The Role of Maturity Dates and Market Risk

Generally, the longer the maturity date of the bill, the higher the returns. But if interest rates are predicted to rise over time, that could make existing T-bills less desirable, which could affect their price on the secondary market. It’s possible, then, that an investor could sell a T-bill for lower than what they paid for it.

Federal Reserve Policies and Inflation Concerns

It’s also important to consider the role of the Federal Reserve Bank, which sets the federal funds target rate, for overnight lending between banks. When the fed funds rate is lower, banks have more money to lend, but when it’s higher there’s less money circulating.

Thus the fed funds rate has an impact on the cost of lending across the board, which impacts inflation, purchasing power — and T-bill rates and prices as well. As described, T-bill rates are fixed, so as interest rates rise, the price of T-bills drops because they become less desirable.

By the same token, when the Fed lowers interest rates that tends to favor T-bills. Investors buy up the higher-yield bills, driving up prices on the secondary market.

How Can Investors Decide on Maturity Terms?

Bear in mind that because the maturity terms of T-bills are relatively short — they’re issued with six terms (four, six, 13, 17, 26 and 52 weeks) — it’s possible to redeem the T-bills you buy relatively quickly.

T-bill rates vary according to their maturity, so that will influence which term will work for you.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s smart to invest in a range of assets so that you’re not overly reliant on any one company or market to do well. For example, by investing in different sectors you can add diversification to your portfolio, which may help mitigate some risk factors over time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of T-Bills

Advantages of T-Bills

•   They are a low-risk investment. Since they are backed in the full faith of the U.S. government, there is a slim to none chance of default.

•   They have a low barrier to entry. In other words, investors who don’t have a lot of money to invest can invest a small amount of money while earning a return, starting at $100.

•   They can help diversify a portfolio. Diversifying a portfolio helps investors minimize risk exposure by spreading funds across various investment opportunities of varying risks and potential returns.

Disadvantages of T-Bills

•   Low yield. T-bills provide a lower yield compared to other higher-yield bonds or investments such as stocks. So, for investors looking for higher yields, Treasury bills might not be the way to go.

•   Inflation risk exposure. T-bills are exposed to risks such as inflation. If the inflation rate is 4% and a T-bill has a discount rate of 2%, for example, it wouldn’t make sense to invest in T-bills—the inflation exceeds the return an investor would receive, and they would lose money on the investment.

Using Treasury Bills to Diversify

Investing all of one’s money into one asset class leaves an investor exposed to a higher rate of risk of loss. To mitigate risk, investors may turn to diversification as an investing strategy.

With diversification, investors place their money in an assortment of investments — from stocks and bonds to real estate and alternative investments — rather than placing all of their money in one investment. With more sophisticated diversification, investors can diversify within each asset class and sector to truly ensure all investments are spread out.

For example, to reduce the risk of economic uncertainty that tends to impact stocks, investors may choose to invest in the U.S. Treasury securities, such as mutual funds that carry T-bills, to offset these stocks’ potentially negative performance. Since the U.S. Treasuries tend to perform well in such environments, they may help minimize an investor’s loss from stocks not performing.

The Takeaway

Treasury bills are one investment opportunity in which an investor is basically lending money to the government for the short term. While the return on T-bills may be lower than the typical return on other investments, the risk is also much lower, as the US government backs these bills.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).


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About the author

Rebecca Lake

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.



Photo credit: iStock/Marco VDM


SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.


Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by email customer service at https://sofi.app.link/investchat. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.
Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Are the Common Types of Payroll Deductions?

Payroll deductions are amounts of money that are taken out of your gross pay, leaving you with net (or take-home) pay. Common types of payroll deductions include taxes, retirement savings, and Social Security contributions, among others. However, it can be confusing (and sometimes a little discouraging) to see how much money comes out before you have cash in hand.

Here, take a closer look at the deductions that are required by law and are out of your control, as well as others that are part of your employee benefits package, which means that you may be able to adjust them. This paycheck breakdown can help you understand more about where your money goes so you can manage it better.

Key Points

•   Payroll deductions include mandatory and elective amounts taken from gross pay, affecting net pay.

•   Common deductions include taxes, Social Security, Medicare, retirement contributions, and employee benefits.

•   Federal taxes depend on W-4 form details.

•   Retirement contributions reduce taxable income but have limits.

•   Managing deductions involves checking pay stubs and updating W-4 forms.

What is Net Pay?

Whether you’re paid hourly or by salary, your rate of pay is the compensation that you and your employer agreed upon when you accepted the job. That said, it’s typically expressed as your annual salary for full-time employees.

This number appears in official contracts and is referred to as your gross pay. However, it does not represent the actual amount that you will be paid.

Net pay, also referred to as take-home pay, is the compensation that is paid out via check or direct deposit to an employee. It is your gross pay with all the deductions taken out, which can make you think, “Wait, where’d my money go?” when it hits your checking account.

What Are Payroll Deductions?

So, to answer that question: Here’s where your money goes before it lands in your checking account:

•   Mandatory deductions: By law, an employer must subtract various mandatory federal and state tax withholdings.

•   Elective deductions: Employers will also subtract costs for employer-sponsored offerings that the employee takes part in, such as healthcare, life insurance, and retirement.

Whether required or optional, these are pulled out of your gross pay and applied where needed. While you may feel disappointed to see these funds siphoned off, they have an upside. They are saving you from owing major taxes come April 15, and they are potentially helping provide important elements of financial fitness, like saving for your future. This knowledge can be reassuring, especially if you are filing taxes for the first time, and are feeling a bit shocked about the difference between your gross and net pay on an annual basis.

How Do Payroll Deductions Work?

As mentioned above, payroll deductions may be required, such as federal or any state taxes, or they may be optional (say, a 401(k) plan or health insurance). The mandatory and elective deductions are subtracted from your paycheck’s gross pay amount.

What remains after these payroll deductions is your net pay. This is the amount that is paid to you. You can typically see a breakdown of exactly what has been subtracted from your compensation by looking at your paystub. If you are paid via direct deposit, you will likely find this information online at your employer’s portal. If you receive a paper paycheck, the paystub is often attached.

Types of Payroll Deductions

As you look at your paystub and see all the deductions that are being taken out of your gross pay, you may want a bit of help understanding what’s what. Below are explanations of some of the most common paycheck deductions:

Federal Taxes

Federal taxes include all the taxes you are required by law to pay to the federal government. These taxes (which are often referred to as being withheld vs. paid) help fund the federal government, allowing them to invest in things such as infrastructure, education, and national defense, and provide services to the American people.

It’s common to wonder what tax withholding is and how much must you allocate towards it. When you were first hired, you likely filled out an Employee’s Withholding Certificate or W-4 form form and claimed the number of tax exemptions you have. This amount tells the federal government how much money to take out of each paycheck to cover your taxes. The more allowances you take, the less federal income tax the government will take out of your paycheck.

One way to ensure that you have the right amount of tax withheld for each pay period is to use the Internal Revenue Service’s IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or speak with someone in your company’s HR department. You can tell them if you’re single or married, how many dependents you have, and if you have any other sources of income, and they should be able to help you fill out your form accurately.

It’s also a good practice to revisit your IRS Form W-4 selections annually as significant life events may change your withholding and also because the W-4 form is periodically updated. It can be wise to think about your exemptions regularly

During tax season of each year, individuals who have overpaid in federal taxes receive a refund from the government. Those who’ve underpaid, however, are required to pay additional funds and possibly a penalty.

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State and Local Income Taxes

There are other types of taxes that will possibly be withheld from your gross pay. Many states require a state tax to help fund government projects and services. To learn more about your state’s taxation policy, you can look at this map for details.

Just as with federal taxes, your state income tax will get deducted from your paycheck to cover taxes you may owe at the end of the year.

Social Security and Medicare

Another common paycheck deduction you’ll see: Social Security and Medicare taxes that are part of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, a group of payroll taxes collected from both the employer and the employee. As the name implies, these taxes fund our nation’s Social Security and Medicare programs, helping with income and insurance needs once you reach retirement age.

The tax rate for social security is currently 6.2%, and Medicare receives an additional 1.45% (employers match these tax rates, bringing the total of FICA tax contributions to 15.3%).

Wage Garnishments

Another possible payroll deduction to know about: wage garnishments. These are legal procedures designed to repay delinquent, outstanding debts, such as unpaid child support, overdue credit card payments, or even unpaid taxes.

Most wage garnishments are initiated by court order. However, the IRS and other tax collection agencies also levy for unpaid taxes in the form of wage garnishment.

Garnishments are made on earnings leftover after all legally required deductions are made. The actual amount of any garnishment will depend on the amount of debt owed and income earned.

Employee Benefits

Depending on where you work, you may be able to opt into a variety of benefits. Typically, these costs are automatically deducted from your paycheck.

If you sign up for your employer-provided health insurance, at least some of the cost is likely to be a type of paycheck deduction.

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with 50 employees or more must offer affordable health insurance. As part of an employee’s compensation package, many companies will pay half, or another percentage, of the insurance premiums. The employee’s portion of those premiums is represented on a pay stub as a deduction.

Other benefits, like flexible spending plans, commuter plans, and life insurance, may also be deducted from your pay, depending on whether or not you opt into them and if your employer picks up the bill fully or partially.

Health insurance and other benefits typically come out before your taxes, and you may be able to reduce your taxable income by signing up for them.

Retirement Contributions

Employee 401(k) savings plans are a common benefit offered in the workforce.

If you opt into this benefit, your employer will deduct funds from your wage earnings and deposit them into a retirement account. (How much of your paycheck should you save? Experts often recommend 20% should go towards saving for retirement and other short- and long-term goals.)

Employees are typically able to choose the amount they would like deducted from their earnings for retirement savings. In some cases, employers may contribute an additional percentage of your salary into your retirement account.

Contributions to your 401(k) can not only help you save for the future but also lower your taxable income, since they come out of your paycheck before taxes get assessed.

You’ll want to keep in mind, however, that there are yearly retirement plan contribution limits set by the federal government through the IRS.

Other Common Payroll Deductions

Depending on your workplace and career, other payroll deductions are possible. Among the ones you may find are:

•   Charitable giving plans

•   Payment for job-required items, such as tools or uniforms

•   Union dues

•   Professional certification or tuition fee deductions

Examples of Payroll Deductions

You’ve learned details about many types of payroll deductions above. In list form, examples of payroll deductions include:

•   Federal income tax

•   State and local income taxes

•   Social Security and Medicare taxes

•   Wage garnishments

•   Employee benefits

•   Retirement contributions

Steps to Calculate Payroll Deductions

Calculating payroll deductions is typically something done by employers, not employees. Here’s a quick overview of how the process typically works:

1.    Obtain a W-4 from employees indicating their withholding.

2.    Determine employees’ gross earnings, whether salary pay or hourly.

3.    Calculate any overtime for those employees who are not exempt and worked over 40 hours a week.

4.    Take any pre-tax deductions.

5.    Calculate and deduct federal income tax based on pay, withholding status, what tax bracket an employee is in, and other factors.

6.    Determine and deduct Social Security and Medicare payments.

7.    Calculate and deduct any state and local taxes.

8.    Take any other deductions, and move funds to the appropriate entity.

Tips to Manage Payroll Deductions

If you are an employee seeking to tweak your deductions, you will have a few options. You might update your W-4 to reflect more or fewer exemptions, depending on whether you want to reduce or increase the taxes withheld.

In addition, if you could use some breathing room in your budget during a financial crunch, you might decrease retirement contributions a notch to free up a little more money for bills.

If you are in a position to be managing payroll deductions, consider these tips for making the process run smoothly:

•   Develop organizational systems to manage forms, deadlines, and other aspects of the process. There are many digital and online tools you can use for this.

•   Keep up to date with federal, state, and local tax laws to make sure you are deducting the proper amounts; know the guidelines about, say, equal pay provisions; and more.

•   Automate the entire process with payroll software. This can save time and boost accuracy versus doing things by hand. Or consider outsourcing the responsibilities to an external agency.

•   Regularly update training for payroll and HR teams, if you employ them.

•   Don’t touch payroll taxes that are only paid quarterly. It may be tempting to dip into those funds before they are due and use them for other business expenses, but this is a very risky path to pursue. If you wind up being short when the taxes must be paid, you could face penalties.

Recommended: 50/30/20 Budget Calculator

The Takeaway

While you may be surprised to see all the deductions coming out of your paycheck, once you know what number to expect to see landing in your bank account each pay period, you’ll be able to plan your spending and budget accordingly. Deductions can include those you can’t change, such as taxes, and those that you may be able to alter, such as retirement contributions.

It’s a good idea to check your pay stubs periodically to ensure that the deductions being taken out are accurate and align with your financial goals.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What are some common incorrect payroll deductions?

Examples of incorrect employee payroll deductions are expenses that have to do with running the business, workers’ compensation premiums, and some personal protective gear costs. In addition, payroll deductions should not bring an employee’s income below minimum wage.

How do I report payroll deductions?

If you are an employee, your payroll deductions will be reflected in the end-of-year W-2 form that you receive. If you are an employer, you are likely filing IRS Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, or Form 944, Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return, which shows the wages you’ve paid and various taxes withheld.

What are the pros and cons of payroll deductions?

Payroll deductions are a fact of life. On the plus side, they whisk away taxes regularly so you don’t face a huge tax bill come April 15, and the money paid in taxes can help quality of life in America. Also, deductions like health insurance and retirement savings go towards achieving financial security. The main con, of course, is that you take home less pay than your gross earnings and may need to budget wisely to balance your spending and saving.

What are the categories of payroll deductions?

The main categories of payroll deductions are federal, state, and local taxes; Social Security and Medicare; employee benefits; and retirement contributions.


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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
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Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Differences and Similarities Between Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) vs Personal Lines of Credit

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) vs Personal Lines of Credit

If you’re looking for a tool you can use to borrow money when you need it, you may be wondering which is the better choice: a personal line of credit or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

In this guide we’ll compare these two types of credit lines — both of which function similarly to a credit card but typically have a lower interest rate and a higher credit limit. We’ll also cover some of the pros and cons of using a personal line of credit vs. a HELOC.

Key Points

•   A personal line of credit and a HELOC are both flexible borrowing options.

•   HELOCs generally have lower interest rates than personal lines of credit due to being secured.

•   Both options typically require a minimum credit score of 680.

•   Personal lines of credit are unsecured, providing flexibility but often at higher rates.

•   HELOCs may provide tax benefits for home improvements, though defaulting could risk home loss.

What Is a Personal Line of Credit?

A personal line of credit, sometimes shortened to PLOC, is a revolving credit account that allows you to borrow money as you need it, up to a preset limit.

Instead of borrowing a lump sum and making fixed monthly payments on that amount, as you would with a traditional installment loan, a personal line of credit allows you to draw funds as needed during a predetermined draw period. You’re required to make payments based only on your outstanding balance during the draw period.

In that way, a PLOC works like a credit card. Generally, you can pay as much as you want each month toward your balance, as long as you make at least the minimum payment due. The money you repay is added back to your credit limit, so it’s available for you to use again.

You can use a personal line of credit for just about anything you like as long you stay within your limit, which could range from $1,000 to $100,000, and possibly more.

A PLOC is usually unsecured debt, which means you don’t have to use collateral to qualify. The lender will base decisions about the amount you can borrow and the interest rate you’ll pay on your personal creditworthiness.

Can a Personal Line of Credit Be Used to Buy a House?

If you could qualify for a high enough credit limit — or if the property you want to buy is being sold at an extremely low price — you might be able to purchase a house with a personal line of credit. But it may not be the best tool available.

A traditional mortgage, secured by the home that’s being purchased, may have lower overall costs than a personal line of credit. There are several different types of mortgage loans to choose from.

A variable rate, which is typical of personal lines of credit, might not be the best option for a large purchase that could take a long time to pay off. Your payments could go lower, but they also could go higher. If interest rates increase, your loan could become unaffordable. With a traditional mortgage, you would have the option of a fixed rate or a variable one.

Another consideration: If you use all or most of your PLOC to make a major purchase like a home, it could have a negative impact on your credit score and future borrowing ability. The amount of revolving credit you’re using vs. how much you have available — your credit utilization ratio — is an important factor that affects your credit score. Lenders typically prefer this number to be less than 30%.

What Is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that is secured by the borrower’s home. It, too, usually has a variable interest rate.

Lenders typically will allow you to use a HELOC to borrow a large percentage of your home’s current value minus the amount you owe. That’s your home equity.

A lender also may review your credit score, credit history, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio (monthly debts / gross monthly income = DTI) when determining your borrowing limit and interest rate.

Recommended: Learn More About How HELOCs Work

Turn your home equity into cash with a HELOC from SoFi.

Access up to 90% or $500k of your home’s equity to finance almost anything.


Personal Line of Credit vs HELOC Compared

If you’re comparing a personal line of credit with a HELOC, you’ll find many similarities. But there are important differences to keep in mind as well.

Similarities

Here are some ways in which a personal line of credit and a HELOC are alike:

•   Both are revolving credit accounts. Money can be borrowed, repaid, and borrowed again, up to the credit limit.

•   Both have a draw period and a repayment period. The draw period is typically 10 years, with monthly minimum payments required. The repayment period may be up to 20 years after the draw period ends.

•   Access to funds is convenient. Withdrawals can be made by check or debit card, depending on how the lender sets up the loan.

•   Lenders may charge monthly fees, transaction fees, or late or prepayment fees on either. It’s important to understand potential fees before closing.

•   Both typically have variable interest rates, which can affect the overall cost of the line of credit over time. (Each occasionally comes with a fixed rate. The starting rate of a fixed-rate HELOC is usually higher. The draw period of a fixed-rate personal line of credit could be relatively short.)

•   For both, you’ll usually need a FICO® score of 680. Your credit score also affects the interest rate you’re offered and credit limit.

Differences

The biggest difference between a HELOC and a personal line of credit is that a HELOC is secured. That can affect the borrower in a few ways, including:

•   In exchange for the risk that HELOC borrowers take (they could lose their home if they were to default on payments), they generally qualify for lower interest rates. HELOC borrowers also may qualify for a higher credit limit.

•   With a HELOC, the lender may require a home appraisal, which might slow down the approval process and be an added expense. HELOCs also typically come with other closing costs, but some lenders will reduce or waive them if you keep the loan open for a certain period — usually three years.

•   A borrower assumes the risk of losing their home if they default on a HELOC. A personal line of credit does not come with a risk of that significance.

Personal Line of Credit vs. Home Equity Line of Credit

Personal LOC HELOC
Flexible borrowing and repayment
Convenient access to funds
Annual or monthly maintenance fee Varies by lender Varies by lender
Typicaly a Variable interest rate
Secured with collateral
Approval based on creditworthiness
Favorable interest rates * *
*Rates for secured loans are usually lower than for unsecured loans. Rates for personal lines of credit are generally lower than credit card rates.

Recommended: Credit Cards vs. Personal Loans

Pros and Cons of HELOCs

A HELOC and personal line of credit share many of the same pros and cons. An advantage of borrowing with a HELOC, however, is that because it’s secured, the interest rate may be more favorable than that of a personal line of credit.

A HELOC may offer a tax benefit if you itemize and take the mortgage interest deduction. But there are potential downsides, too.

Pros and Cons of HELOCs

Pros Cons
Flexibility in how much you can borrow and when. Your home is at risk if you default.
Interest is charged only on the amount borrowed during the draw period Variable interest rates can make repayment unpredictable and potentially expensive.
Generally lower interest rates than credit cards or unsecured borrowing. Lenders may require a current home appraisal for approval.
Interest paid is tax deductible if HELOC money is spent to “buy, build, or substantially improve” the property on which the line of credit is based. A decline in property value could affect the credit limit or result in termination of the HELOC

Pros and Cons of Personal Lines of Credit

Because you draw just the amount of money you need at any one time, a personal line of credit can be a good way to pay for home renovations, ongoing medical or dental treatments, or other expenses that might be spread out over time.

You pay interest only on the funds you’ve drawn, not the entire line of credit that’s available, which can keep monthly costs down. As you make payments, the line of credit is replenished, so you can borrow repeatedly during the draw period. And you don’t have to come up with collateral.

But there are other factors to be wary of. Here’s a summary.

Pros and Cons of Personal Lines of Credit

Pros Cons
Flexibility in how much you borrow and when. Variable interest rates can make repayment unpredictable and potentially expensive.
Interest charges are based only on what you’ve borrowed. Interest rate may be higher than for a secured loan.
Interest rates are typically lower than credit cards. Qualification can be more difficult than for secured credit.
You aren’t putting your home or another asset at risk if you default. Convenience and minimum monthly payments could lead to overspending.

Alternatives to Lines of Credit

As you consider the pros and cons of a HELOC vs. a personal LOC, you also may wish to evaluate some alternative borrowing strategies, including:

Personal Loan

As you’re thinking about a personal loan vs. a personal line of credit, the big difference is that, with a personal loan, a borrower receives a lump sum and makes fixed monthly payments, with interest, until the loan is repaid.

Most personal loans are unsecured, and most come with a fixed interest rate. The rate and other terms are determined by the borrower’s credit score, income, debt level, and other factors.

You’ll owe interest from day one on the full amount that you borrow. But if you’re using the loan to make a large purchase, consolidate debt, or pay off one big bill, it may make sense to borrow a specific amount and budget around the predictable monthly payments.

Personal loan rates and fees can vary significantly by lender and borrower. You can use a loan comparison site to check multiple lenders’ rates and terms, or you can go to individual websites to find a match for your goals.

Auto Loan

If you’re thinking about buying a car with a personal loan, you may want to consider an auto loan, an installment loan that’s secured by the car being purchased. Qualification may be easier than for an unsecured personal loan or personal line of credit.

Most auto loans have a fixed interest rate that’s based on the applicant’s creditworthiness, the loan amount, and the type of vehicle that’s being purchased.

Down the road, if you think you can get a better interest rate, you can look into car refinancing.

Beware no credit check loans. Car title loans have very short repayment periods and sky-high interest rates.

Mortgage

A mortgage is an installment loan that is secured by the real estate you’re purchasing or refinancing. You’ll likely need a down payment, and borrowers typically pay closing costs of 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

A mortgage may have a fixed or adjustable interest rate. An adjustable-rate mortgage typically starts with a lower interest rate than its fixed-rate counterpart. The most common repayment period, or mortgage term, is 30 years.

Your ability to qualify for the mortgage you want may depend on your creditworthiness, down payment, and value of the home.

Credit Cards

A credit card is a revolving line of credit that may be used for day-to-day purchases like groceries, gas, or online shopping. You likely have more than one already. Gen X and baby boomers have an average of more than four credit cards per person, Experian has found, and even Gen Z, the youngest generation, averages two cards per person.

Convenience can be one of the best and worst things about using credit cards. You can use them almost anywhere to pay for almost anything. But it can be easy to accrue debt you can’t repay.

Because most credit cards are unsecured, interest rates can be higher than for other types of borrowing. Making late payments or using a high percentage of your credit limit can hurt your credit score. And making just the minimum payment can cost you in interest and credit score.

If you manage your cards wisely, however, credit card rewards can add up. And you may be able to qualify for a low- or no-interest introductory offer.

Credit card issuers typically base a consumer’s interest rate and credit limit on their credit score, income, and other financial factors.

Student Loans

Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates and more borrower protections than private student loans or other lending options.

But if your federal financial aid package doesn’t cover all of your education costs, it could be worth comparing what private lenders offer.

The Takeaway

A HELOC or a personal line of credit can be useful for borrowers whose costs are spread out over time, especially those who don’t want to pay interest from day one on a lump-sum loan that may be more money than they need.

SoFi now offers flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 90% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively low rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

FAQ

What is better, a home equity line of credit or a personal line of credit?

If you qualify for both, a HELOC will almost always come with a lower interest rate.

Can I use a HELOC for personal use?

Yes. HELOC withdrawals can be used for almost anything, but the line of credit is best suited for ongoing expenses like home renovations, medical bills, or college expenses. Some people secure a HELOC as a safety net during uncertain times.

How many years do you have to pay off a HELOC?

Most HELOCs have a “draw period” of 10 years, followed by a repayment period.

What happens if you don’t use your home equity line of credit?

Having a HELOC you don’t use could help your credit score by improving your credit utilization ratio.

How high of a credit score is needed for a line of credit?

Personal lines of credit are usually reserved for borrowers with a credit score of 680 or higher. A credit score of at least 680 is typically needed for HELOC approval, but requirements can vary among lenders. Some may be more lenient if an applicant has a good debt-to-income ratio or accepts a lower loan limit.

Does a HELOC increase your mortgage payments?

The HELOC is a separate loan from your mortgage. The two payments are not made together.


Photo credit: iStock/KTStock

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All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.
You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant’s credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 06/27/24.
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Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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How Income Tax Withholding Works

What Is Income Tax Withholding and How Does It Work?

“What happened?!” may be your response when you look at your paycheck and see all of those deductions, whittling your hard-earned cash down to a (much) lower figure than you expected.

And perhaps, if you look more closely, you’ll notice a line on your paystub that shows a major amount of money subtracted and think, What is withholding tax? And why do they take so much?

Federal and state withholding taxes, also known as “taxes withheld,” are funds that your employer takes out and sends to the government to help federal programs. These taxes have a purpose, and in the long run, you’ll probably be glad they are deducted from your check rather than owed as a mega lump sum on Tax Day.

Read on to learn more about tax withholding, including factors that impact how much gets deducted and how to calculate your withholding taxes.

Key Points

•   Income tax withholding deducts money from your paychecks to cover your estimated tax liability, preventing large year-end bills.

•   Factors that affect tax withholding include income, filing status, claimed allowances, and extra withholding requests.

•   You can adjust your W-4 form to balance withholding, avoiding overpayment or tax debt.

•   Withholding exemptions are available for those with no tax liability.

•   Withheld taxes support federal programs and public services.

What is Income Tax Withholding?

Many people think their taxes are due mid-April, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually requires you to pay as you go, meaning you need to pay most of your tax during the year, as you receive income, rather than at the end of the year. When you see those federal and possibly state and local taxes being whisked out of each paycheck, that’s exactly what is happening.

A withholding tax is an amount, based on your salary, that your employer sets aside and then pays directly to the government on your behalf. It’s a credit against the full amount of personal income tax you will owe for the year. By doing this, your employer is helping you avoid a surprise tax bill come April. Tax withholding also helps ensure you won’t owe interest or a penalty for paying too little tax during the course of the year.

That said, how much is deducted from your paycheck can vary depending on a variety of factors. You are able to designate what portion of your check goes toward your taxes on the IRS W-4 form (more on that in a bit).

•   If you allocate too much, that means more than necessary is taken out, and you will likely receive a tax refund when you file your taxes.

•   If you set aside too little, you will probably owe a balance or have what’s known as a “tax bill” due during tax season to make up the difference.

Your federal withholding tax rate depends on your income and tax bracket.

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Factors That Determine Tax Withholding

There are several factors that determine just how much tax is withheld from your paycheck, whether it arrives as a paper check or via direct deposit. These include:

•   How much you earn: Generally, the more you earn, the higher the rate at which taxes are withheld

•   Your filing status: For instance, you might file your taxes as single, married filing jointly, or married filing separately.

•   How many (if any) withholding allowances you claim: Typically, if you claim a higher number of allowances, your withholding will be lower. This means more cash will flow your way on each payday, but you might owe taxes when you file. If you have a lower number of allowances, more money is taken out for taxes, and you could wind up getting a refund when your tax return is processed.

•   Whether you decide to have additional money withheld: Some individuals may ask their employers to withhold, say, an extra $100 or more per pay period if they find they typically owe taxes at year’s end.

Recommended: How to Reduce Your Taxable Income

What Is State Income Tax Withholding?

If you live in a state that levies income tax, you will also see tax withholding for that type of tax on your paycheck. There are just nine states that don’t tax earned income. In other words, you will not pay state taxes if you live in:

•   Alaska

•   Florida

•   Nevada

•   New Hampshire

•   South Dakota

•   Tennessee

•   Texas

•   Washington

•   Wyoming

The concept of tax withholding works in the same way at the state level as it does at the federal: A certain portion is put toward your future state tax bill, and you may either owe or get a refund, depending on how much you paid in.

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What Is the Purpose of Tax Withholding?

As briefly mentioned above, tax withholding saves you from owing a huge bundle of taxes in April. If people were left to their own devices to set aside money for taxes, well, that might not always be a success. Every time you receive your paycheck, there are bills to pay, dinners out and movies to tempt you, and vacations to plan and take. As a result it can be hard to save money from your salary.

In addition to helping you avoid a surprise tax bill, tax withholding is also a way for the government to maintain its pay-as-you-go income tax system. If you pay too little in taxes throughout the year, you can get hit with an underpayment penalty and interest payments (on top of that surprise tax bill).

Recommended: Your Guide to Filing Taxes for the First Time

Tax and Employment Documents to Know

When you are first hired at a company, you typically fill out a W-4 form. This form is designed to help your employer estimate how much tax you’ll owe by the end of the year. To do this, the form asks you about your family, potential deductions you might claim, and any additional income you earn outside your W-2 job. Based on your answers, your employer will determine how much tax to withhold from your paychecks.

Then when tax time rolls around, you will receive IRS Form W-2. This includes information on how much income you earned in a given tax year, as well as how much you paid in federal, state, and other taxes.

You’ll use this W-2 to file your taxes, and it will determine whether you receive a tax refund, owe more taxes, or break even.

Calculating Income Tax Withholding

It can take a bit of tweaking to find that balance between overpaying in federal withholding and having to pay more when you file your taxes.

Some people like getting a tax refund because it’s a lump sum they can put toward debt or invest. But realize that overpaying is a bit like giving the government a free loan throughout the year.

While there may be fast ways to get a tax refund, perhaps you’d rather just hold onto that money in the first place. If you better balance what is taken out of your paychecks, you could take the excess you would have paid and put it in a high-yield savings account or invest it for the future.

If you’re wondering what is a withholding tax allowance that’s right for you, there’s help. The IRS has a Tax Withholding Estimator you can use based on your current situation. In general, the more allowances or exemptions you have, the less will be withheld from your pay; the fewer the exemptions, the more will be withheld.

While you aren’t asked to fill out a new W-4 each year, you may request one if you think you need to adjust the withholding amount.

Some of the times it might be wise to adjust how much income tax is withheld include:

•   Starting a new job or position

•   Having a child

•   Getting married or divorced

•   Buying a house.

Can I Be Exempt from Tax Withholding?

To be exempt from tax withholding means that no federal taxes will be withheld from your pay. You might also have no state or local taxes (if applicable) deducted. Here are the ways in which someone might qualify to be exempt from such taxes:

•   If all of your federal income tax was refunded because you have no tax liability and you expect the same thing to happen this year, then you may be exempt from withholding taxes. (But note, Social Security and some other taxes may still be withheld as part of other types of payroll deductions.)

•   Certain types of income are considered exempt. For instance, money paid to foster parents for their taking care of children in their homes may be tax-free. Payments from workers’ compensation is another example of funds that may be tax-exempt.

The Takeaway

Paying taxes may not be fun, but it’s important to remember that this money is put toward things we all enjoy, like smooth roads and education programs. And federal withholding from your paycheck keeps you from having a giant bill when you file taxes.

When it comes to tax withholding, it’s important to understand how much is being withheld from each paycheck and whether you need to modify your W-4 to find a better balance between overpaying and owing more money come Tax Day.

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FAQ

Does the government pay for income tax withholdings?

Money that is withheld from your earnings, known as income tax withholding, goes to the government. These dollars help pay for federal programs that benefit citizens and keep our country running, from education to transportation to security.

How can someone qualify for a withholding exemption?

To qualify as tax-exempt, you would have to have had no tax liability in the previous year and expect the same status in the current tax year. Also keep in mind that some forms of income may be tax-exempt, such as payments for in-home foster care of children or for workers’ compensation.

Why has my employer withheld too much income tax?

If your employer withheld too much income tax, then you will likely get a refund at tax time. You can update your withholding on your W-4 form; the more allowances you have, the less money will be withheld to cover your tax liability.

Why has my employer withheld too little income tax?

If you wound up owing the IRS money at tax time, the issue could be that you have too many exemptions or allowances claimed on your W-4 form, meaning your employer is not withholding enough money from your paycheck. You may want to adjust your W-4, knowing that the lower your number of allowances, the more money your employer with withhold and send to the IRS on your behalf.


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