Changes to wages, payroll taxes and money rules across the United States, explained in plain English with links to the official sources.
About 15 states will raise their minimum wage on New Year's Day. Here is where pay is going up and by how much.
A larger standard deduction and a lower flat rate mean a typical Georgia worker keeps a few hundred dollars more in 2026.
Ohio replaced its brackets with a single 2.75% rate in 2026 and updated withholding tables in August.
Washington workers have no state income tax, but this year's paid leave deduction is about 23% larger than last year's.
The IRS has not released next year's brackets yet. Early projections point to a standard deduction of about $16,600 for single filers.
The IRS raised health savings account limits for next year. Open enrollment is the time to set your payroll contribution.
Part D out-of-pocket costs and deductibles go up next year. Retirees have about a month left to compare plans.
Higher earners will see more Social Security tax taken out next year, while retirees get a 3.6% raise.
The 3.5% inflation increase takes effect January 1. Salaried workers at larger employers need at least $92,196 to be exempt from overtime.
The final step of a voter-approved amendment took effect September 30. Future raises will follow inflation starting in 2028.
The statewide rate goes up 50 cents on January 1, and the salary needed for overtime exemption climbs to $72,384.