You work hard for your money, and you deserve to keep as much of it as possible. However, many employees make mistakes when it comes to their taxable compensation, resulting in a smaller paycheck than they could have had. 

Whether you’re a new employee just starting out or a seasoned professional, it’s important to understand how to maximize your take-home pay by avoiding common mistakes. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common taxable employee compensation mistakes and how you can keep more of your paycheck.

What is taxable employee compensation?

Taxable employee compensation refers to any form of compensation that an employee receives from their employer that is subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. This can include regular wages, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. It’s important to understand what constitutes taxable compensation to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes on your income.

Different forms of compensation may be subject to different tax rates, so it’s important to be aware of these differences to avoid any surprises come tax time. It’s also essential to keep accurate records of your taxable compensation, including pay stubs and other documentation, to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes.

Double-check your pay stubs

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes on your taxable compensation is to double-check your pay stubs. Your pay stub should reflect your correct wages, hours worked, and any applicable deductions or pre-tax benefits.

Errors on your pay stubs can result in overpayment or underpayment of taxes, which can have a significant impact on your take-home pay. Make sure to bring any errors on your pay stubs to your employer’s attention immediately to ensure that they’re corrected in a timely manner.

Don’t pay with cash

While paying with cash may seem like a convenient way to receive compensation, it can actually result in tax complications. Cash payments are difficult to track and can be easily overlooked when it comes to reporting taxable compensation.

If you’re being paid with cash, make sure that your employer is reporting all of your compensation accurately to the FIRS. Keep records of your cash payments, including the amount, date, and purpose of the payment, to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes on your income.

ALSO READ: A COMPREHENSIVE NIGERIAN TAX GUIDE FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

Mistake 1. Failing to report all your taxable income

One of the biggest mistakes employees can make is failing to report all their taxable income. Many employees work multiple jobs, have side hustles, or receive income from sources other than their primary employer. This additional income is still considered taxable, and failing to report it can result in penalties and interest charges from the FIRS.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you report all your income accurately on your tax return. This includes income from side jobs, freelance work, or any other sources that provide you with compensation. It’s important to keep track of all your income sources to ensure you’re paying the correct amount of taxes.

Mistake 2. Omitting your total wages when calculating payroll taxes

Another common mistake is omitting total wages when calculating payroll taxes. Payroll taxes are based on your total wages, including bonuses, commissions, or any other forms of compensation. Omitting any of these can result in inaccurate tax withholding, which can lead to a smaller paycheck than expected.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you include all forms of compensation when calculating payroll taxes. Use a payroll software program or consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re accurately calculating your taxes. This will help ensure you’re paying the correct amount of taxes and receiving the full amount of your paycheck.

Mistake 3. Paying too much in payroll taxes

Paying too much in payroll taxes can be just as detrimental as not paying enough. This can happen if you’re not taking advantage of pre-tax benefits or if your tax withholding is set too high. Overpaying taxes can result in a smaller paycheck and less money in your pocket.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you’re taking advantage of all pre-tax benefits you’re eligible for, such as health insurance or retirement savings plans. Review your tax withholding periodically to ensure you’re paying the correct amount of taxes on your income. This will help maximize your take-home pay and keep more money in your pocket.

Final Words – Should you pay tax on your paychecks?

Yes, you should pay tax on your paychecks. As an employee, you’re required to pay federal, state, and local income taxes on your taxable compensation. Failing to pay the correct amount of taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from the FIRS.

To ensure you’re paying the correct amount of taxes on your paychecks, double-check your pay stubs, report all of your taxable income, and consult with a tax professional if you’re unsure. 

Avoiding common taxable employee compensation mistakes can help you keep more of your paycheck and maximize your take-home pay. With a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.