Students review a pay stub from a sample paycheck to understand the real-world effect of taxes and deductions on the amount of money they receive.
Earn (Getting paid, Making money, Paying taxes)
CTE (Career and technical education), Math, Social studies or history
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
45-60 minutes
Big idea
The amount of money you earn from your job is different from the amount of money you receive in your paycheck.
Essential questions
- How does gross income differ from net income?
- How does a pay stub serve as a record of earnings and deductions?
Objectives
- Understand what types of taxes are deducted from a paycheck
- Calculate the difference between gross income and net income
What students will do
- Review information on how to read a pay stub and answer questions about earnings and deductions.
- Calculate tax withholdings, deductions, and the difference between gross income and net income.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_calculating-numbers-your-paycheck_guide.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_como-calcular-las-cifras-de-su-sueldo_guia.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_calculating-numbers-your-paycheck_worksheet.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_how-to-read-pay-stub_handout.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_como-calcular-las-cifras-de-su-sueldo_tabla.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
