Seasonal pay and tax checklists

Starting a job or receiving a new offer

Before the first payslip, confirm annual gross salary, exempt pay items, standard working hours and the insurance schemes that cover you. A foreign employee may need nationality, visa or social-security-agreement checks. Save the employer's written explanation of deductions rather than assuming every standard percentage applies.

• Salary data and offers — Distinguish an employee average from your written package.

When a bonus is announced

Record the performance period and intended payment date separately. Read the eligible-pay base and whether the amount is fixed, conditional or a share award. Run a gross scenario and ask payroll how withholding will be handled; do not use a speculative bonus as guaranteed income for a loan commitment.

• Bonus and stock-award checklist — Identify the eligible pay base before modeling a payment.
• Gross Bonus Calculator — Calculate a gross scenario with the confirmed pay base.

At year-end or when leaving a job

Identify the income year before collecting deduction documents. An early-year settlement normally reconciles the preceding year's employment income, while a departure may create its own payroll process. Ask for the withholding statement, insurance-coverage end date and any later settlement responsibilities. A refund needs final tax and prior withholding, not just a credit rate.

Find the actual application window

The EITC guide distinguishes application year from income year and links the relevant NTS notices. Benefit and filing dates can depend on the application route and official extensions. Use the current notice and verify a submitted receipt; this hub does not create a new deadline or guarantee an application will qualify.