3 Steps for Negotiating a Better Salary After Tax Day

Post-April 15th, it becomes brutally apparent how much taxes eat into your take-home pay. Don’t take it lying down! Be proactive and ride that wave of fiscal indignation – start preparing to negotiate for a better salary. But this time, go in prepared for that tax bite. Take these steps before approaching your boss:

Step 1: How Much Do You Need…and Want?

First, consider what you owe: You have your credit card bills, student loans, housing, car payments – and that doesn’t even begin to cover food to live and funds for a social life. How much do you want to save each month?

Next, ask yourself how much you want left over after your monthly needs are met.

Step 2: How Much Will the Government Take?

Tax salary calculators aren’t 100% accurate, but at least you’ll be able to ballpark how much of your salary goes to taxes. Give yourself a nice surprise down the road and estimate high.

Try some of these free online tax calculators:

Turbo Tax Tools
IRS Withholding Calculator

Step 3: Negotiation!

Once you know how much you need and want, and have compared it to how much of your salary goes to taxes, you should have an idea of a number you’d like to negotiate with your employers.

Remember, when you walk into a negotiation, your desire for more money isn’t relevant – neither is your ego. Now that you know what you’d like your income to be, prepare solid reasons why your company should agree.

Ask yourself these important questions:

Have I gone above and beyond my job description?

How much should I be earning in my position?

Don’t let Tax Day scare you into hiding – let it spur you towards the higher salary you deserve.