Deciphering Your Pay Stub
Confused by the alphabet soup on your paycheck? We've compiled the ultimate dictionary of every tax code, deduction abbreviation, and benefit acronym used in 2026.
FICA
TaxFederal Insurance Contributions Act
A mandatory federal payroll tax deduction that funds Social Security and Medicare programs.
OASDI
TaxOld-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance
The official name for Social Security tax. It is deducted at a rate of 6.2% of your gross earnings up to the taxable maximum.
MED / MCARE
TaxMedicare Tax
A federal tax used to fund the Medicare health insurance program. It is deducted at a rate of 1.45% of all gross earnings.
FED / FIT
TaxFederal Income Tax
The tax levied by the IRS on your annual earnings. The amount depends on your W-4 withholdings and filing status.
SIT / SWAF
TaxState Income Tax
Tax collected by your state government. Rates vary significantly by state, seeking 0% in places like Texas and Florida.
401(k)
DeductionRetirement Savings Plan
A pre-tax contribution to an employer-sponsored retirement account. This lowers your taxable income for the current year.
YTD
EarningYear to Date
The total amount of earnings or deductions accumulated from the beginning of the calendar year up to the current pay period.
SDI / CASDI
TaxState Disability Insurance
A specific tax found in states like California, funding short-term disability benefits for workers.
FLI
TaxFamily Leave Insurance
A deduction (common in NJ and NY) that funds paid family leave programs for employees.
LTD / STD
BenefitLong/Short Term Disability
Insurance premiums paid (often post-tax) to provide income protection if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.