Step-by-step scenario

It's tax time and I have no idea where to start

From the W-4 you filled out to the return you have to file — in plain English.

1. 1

   What is a W-4?

   What you signed when you started the job.

   The form you fill out so payroll knows how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck.

2. 2

   Why is my paycheck smaller than my salary?

   Why your paycheck is smaller than your offer letter said.

   Because what you agreed to is gross pay. What lands in your account is net pay after taxes and deductions.

3. 3

   How filing taxes actually works

   What 'filing taxes' actually involves.

   Filing a tax return is reconciling what was withheld from your paychecks against what you actually owe. Most years, it's clerical, not dramatic.