Question

John worked 43 hours last week. His hourly rate is $9.00. He has the following deductions taken from his pay: Social Security tax at the rate of 6.2 percent, Medicare tax at the rate of 1.45 percent, health insurance premiums of $15.00, and 401(k) contributions of 5 percent of gross pay. John also has federal income tax withheld at the rate of 10 percent. Federal taxes do not apply to the 401(k) contribution. John’s net pay for last week was what? Please keep keep in mind the overtime hours beginning at 40 and overtime rate being 1.5 times more than usual pay.

Answer 1

Net pay is calculated by subtracting deductions from Net Pay.

In this case:

Gross Pay is 40 hours X $9/hr (regular pay) PLUS 3 hours X (13.50 -- 1.5 times the normal pay) for overtime

Once you have Gross Pay, you multiply that by the percentages given for the deductions and subtract that total from Gross Pay.

One note, in this case, federal taxes are not withheld from the amount given to 401(k). So to figure the taxes you would:

(Gross Pay - 401(K) contribution) X 10%

Gross Pay - deductions = net pay