<prompt> Human: Im right at the poverty line... 15,000 a year. According to most of my research I should be paying 1037; income tax, so why are they taking over 2037; out of my check every week? According to a tax calculator my total owed this year is around 1,800, yet Ive already paid in over 2,000 and the year is only half over. Can someone help explain? Thanks.  <response>: If your income is exactly 15,000; single, no children etc. - your FICA taxes should be around 1150, Federal income tax around 280. I dont know what your state income taxes would be, that varies by whichever state you live in.If youve already paid in over 2000 - chances are you have NOT submitted a W-4. Talk to whoever manages payroll and get that done. 