<prompt> Human: Hello!Ive previously posted to ask about building credit in the States, but now I have a new quest - trying to understand the tax system.When I opened up my paycheck, I noticed that before taxes, my Dental HMO and a TRS 3 had been taken out - totaling around 180 per month. After that, I get taxed for federal taxes and then something else. Now what I dont understand is - what the hell is a TRS 3? Why am I paying for it ? How does it work? Another thing Im trying to understand is the federal tax - Im working on a J-1 visa visiting researcher and I was classified as tax exempt - what taxes am I exempt from then? Im working in TexasThe legal documents detailing these details go way over my head, as I have no background in any kind of lawbusiness.Any help?  <response>: This sort of question is much better for your companies HR department. Companies can code the lines on a pay stub almost any way they want, so any one here is just guessing.Reddit is a great source of information, but asking a bunch of strangers for help shouldnt be your first choice when an expert is a phone call away ... especially since its their job to explain this to you. 