Lesson Objective

Students will identify CT-specific paycheck deductions (CT Income Tax, Paid Family Leave) and compare them to local Meriden costs (rent/groceries).

Does everyone in the US pay the same tax?
What is "CT Paid Leave" on my stub?

State Income Tax, FICA (Social Security/Medicare), CT PLI (Paid Leave Insurance), Local vs. Federal.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.3

Description: Students use a CT-specific paycheck calculator (like PaycheckCity) to see local impacts.
Purpose: Understanding that "Net Pay" varies by state and location.
DOK Level: 3

Use a "Money Map" showing where tax dollars go; provide pre-calculated tax percentages for simplified math.

 

A "Where Does It Go?" pie chart showing the percentage of a $500 check lost to different taxes.

CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) simplified guides, Chromebooks.