Where your pay really goes
Deductions are the least understood part of most payslips, yet they determine the difference between what you earn and what you keep. This category focuses on the taxes and contributions that shape your net pay, helping you read your payslip with confidence and spot anything that looks wrong.
Income tax and social contributions
Two big deductions dominate most paychecks: income tax and social or national insurance contributions. Income tax is usually progressive, taking a larger share as you earn more, while social contributions fund pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support. The payroll tax calculator estimates both, so you can see roughly how much of your gross pay each one claims.
Pre-tax and post-tax deductions
Not all deductions work the same way. Pre-tax deductions, such as certain pension or health contributions, reduce the income on which your tax is calculated, effectively lowering your tax bill. Post-tax deductions come out of pay that has already been taxed. Understanding which is which explains why two people with the same gross salary can take home quite different amounts.
Bonuses and one-off payments
One-off payments such as bonuses are often taxed at the moment they are paid, sometimes at a higher withholding rate than your regular pay. This can make a bonus look smaller than expected on the payslip, even if some of the tax is later reconciled. The bonus calculator helps you anticipate the net figure so there are no surprises.
Check, don't assume
Payroll errors are more common than people think. By estimating your expected deductions with these tools and comparing them to your actual payslip, you can catch mistakes early and make sure you are paying exactly what you owe, no more and no less.