What Pay Is Taxable?

Taxable wages are salaries paid to an employee that by law, must have taxes withheld. Alternatively, there are non-taxable wages that is not subject to tax withholding. Responding to employee W-2 inquiries is much easier once you know the pay elements used to determine the taxable wages on the W-2.

What kind of income is not taxable?

Nontaxable income won't be taxed, whether or not you enter it on your tax return. The following items are deemed nontaxable by the IRS: Inheritances, gifts and bequests. Cash rebates on items you purchase from a retailer, manufacturer or dealer.

What part of my paycheck is taxable?

Any income earned by an individual is subject to taxation by the government. This includes earnings in the form of hourly pay, overtime wages, a salary, commissions, bonuses, and even tips and severance pay. The portion of an employee's earnings that are subject to taxation are called taxable wages.