Which of the following terms refers to the portion of a paycheck that is withheld for taxes and other deductions?

The term that refers to the portion of a paycheck that is withheld for taxes and other deductions is withholdings. This represents the amount removed from an employee's gross wages to cover various taxes such as federal and state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, as well as any other deductions, like those for retirement plans or health insurance premiums.

Withholdings are essential for ensuring that the correct amounts are paid to the government and other entities, rather than receiving the entire paycheck upfront and having to pay these amounts later. This system helps individuals manage their tax responsibilities more effectively throughout the year, often resulting in a refund when they file their annual tax returns if enough has been withheld.

Other terms, such as net pay, refer to the amount an employee takes home after all withholdings and deductions have been made. Gross wage is the total earnings before any deductions, and a paycheck stub is a document that provides a detailed breakdown of earnings and deductions but does not represent the withheld amounts themselves. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "withholdings" is the most appropriate choice for the question.