Can my employer take money out of my paycheck?

Your employer is legally obligated to deduct money from your paycheck, according to the Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center. There are only a few mandated deductions you should expect.

The LAS-ELC describes how your employer can deduct money from your paycheck if it's for income tax purposes, including payments toward Social Security, Medicare tax and other federally mandated withholding taxes. You can also expect deductions from your wages as a result of personal benefit elections. This includes health care premiums, retirement plans and other personal elections. If you are in debt to your employer for reasons like an advance on your paycheck, you can also expect deductions to satisfy your debt.