Browse federal, state and local payroll tax codes.
FITW, FIT, FWT and FED Tax commonly describe federal income tax withheld from wages. It is a payment towards income tax, distinct from Social Security and Medicare. Pay frequency, taxable wages and Form W-4 elections affect the amount.
Related spellings covered here: FED TAX, FED FWT FIT FITW.
How to read this entry
Use the meaning Federal income tax withholding alongside the column heading. An earnings amount, an employee deduction and an employer-cost memo can have different effects even when their labels look similar.
Example on a pay statement
If federal income-tax wages are $1,900 after applicable exclusions, payroll uses that wage base and your withholding details. Applying your highest marginal tax bracket directly to total gross pay is not the normal paycheck calculation.
Examples illustrate the checking method. They are not a personal tax calculation or a promise of a particular benefit.
What to check with payroll
Check the wage base and W-4 settings. Compare like-for-like pay periods and use the IRS withholding estimator to review your overall position.
Compare related entries
Read the federal, state and local payroll tax codes guide to compare the entries in this part of your statement. Use the full pay stub code directory when a second abbreviation is unfamiliar.
Reference and scope
Official guidance on federal, state and local payroll tax codes provides background on the underlying rules. The actual plan, tax year, jurisdiction and payroll record determine how the rules apply.