Definition

A tax you pay on the money you earn. The amount depends on your income level and tax laws, and it funds government services.

What to consider

  • Understand how your payments change based on your income.
  • Keep your income documents up to date for accurate calculations.
  • Review your plan annually to see if adjustments are needed.

Real world scenarios

  • Kai adjusts his W-4 so taxes more closely match his actual liability, reducing the likelihood of a large refund or big bill.
  • Dani sets aside a portion of each freelance payment for estimated quarterly taxes, preventing a big debt at year-end.
  • Toney’s careful record of deductions—like home office expenses—helps lower his taxable income significantly.

Related terms

Taxes