text: i just got a job after 8 months of not working...i am earning $15/hr how can i start paying my taxes? i get paid on the 15th and 30th of every month and from that salary i have to pay $1,200 for the rent of my apt..and the rest is groceries and fuel..which leave me not enough but just a little to save and besides i am not paying mediical...can you give me advice on this matter i am so confused! ...your employer is required by law to withhold a base rate of tax from your pay.  you don't pay any tax when you're not working.  you don't have to worry about it unless you are self employed.