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Kmtchtr On Pay Stub: What It Means For Employers (2026)
If you manage payroll, you've likely seen KMTCHTR on a pay stub. This code shows up in most payroll systems.
This article explains what it means, how tiered matching works, and what to check. Need professional pay stubs? Use our pay stub generator.
Key Takeaways
KMTCHTR stands for 401(k) Match Contribution Tiered, representing employer retirement matching
The code appears in payroll systems like Paycor, ADP, and Workday
Employers should verify KMTCHTR amounts match their plan's tiered schedule
In food service, KMTCHTR may instead refer to "Kitchen Chatter" (tips or gratuities)
What Does KMTCHTR Mean on a Pay Stub?
KMTCHTR stands for "401(k) Match Contribution Tiered." It shows the employer match going into retirement accounts. The code appears in Paycor, ADP, and Workday. In food service, KMTCHTR may refer to "Kitchen Chatter," meaning tips.
The KMTCHTR on pay stub meaning is simple. The KMTCHTR deduction meaning or KMTCHTR meaning breaks down like this:
K: K-plan, referring to a 401(k) retirement plan
MTCH: Match, that is, the employer's contribution that matches employee contributions
TR: Tiered, indicating a structured matching schedule
For most businesses, KMTCHTR signals the employer's retirement match. In the food service industry, it may mean tip earnings (Kitchen Chatter). Check with your payroll provider to confirm. Some nonprofits use a 403(b).
Government workers may have a 457 plan. The payroll abbreviation may differ in those plans. A traditional IRA is separate and won't show this code. Similar pay stub codes include FWT (Federal Withholding Tax) and OASDI (Social Security tax).
How KMTCHTR Works: A Tiered Match Example
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A tiered 401(k) match means your company contributes at different rates. For 2026, the IRS caps employee 401(k) contributions at $23,500 per year. Workers aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions of up to $7,500.
For example, an employee earns $65,000 per year. Your company matches 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 2%.
First 4% ($2,600): Employer matches $2,600
Next 2% ($1,300): Employer matches $650
Total KMTCHTR Amount: $3,250 per year
This line item shows only the employer's portion. These amounts affect W-2 wage calculations at year-end.
Where To Find KMTCHTR on Your Pay Stub
KMTCHTR appears in the employer contributions or benefits section. It's not listed under employee deductions. KMTCHTR on pay stub shows the money your company adds to your retirement account. It's not money withheld from the paycheck.
Look for KMTCHTR near other employer costs. These include health insurance and FICA matching. Related items, such as year-to-date earnings and employee ID numbers, appear in the same section.
Why KMTCHTR Matters for Your Business
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Accurate KMTCHTR reporting protects your business. It also builds employee trust. Your HR department should review these amounts often. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau encourages workers to know their retirement savings. You can use this checklist:
Compare each employee's KMTCHTR amount against your 401(k) plan's match schedule
Confirm the tiered percentages align with what HR communicated during enrollment
Flag discrepancies to your payroll provider immediately
The KMTCHTR deduction does not come from employee wages. It is an employer add-on to gross pay. It does not reduce net pay. Employees who skip contributions may miss free money. Talk clearly about KMTCHTR to boost plan use and retention.
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KMTCHTR and Paycor
KMTCHTR appears in Paycor's pay stub view under employer contributions. Paycor serves over 30,000 US businesses. It shows this code when a 401(k) includes tiered matching. You can use the self-service portal to review amounts.
You'll find KMTCHTR Paycor details under the benefits breakdown. The code works the same in ADP and Workday. However, the layout may differ.
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In Conclusion
KMTCHTR is a 401(k) match contribution with a tiered structure. For financial planning, this benefit adds additional income from your employer. Check the income section of each pay stub to confirm amounts. You can also verify the amounts for compliance and accurate records.
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