The total amount of pay due to an employee for a pay period before any deductions are taken is ___________.

The total amount of pay due to an employee for a pay period before any deductions are taken is known as gross pay. This includes all earnings, such as salary, hourly wages, bonuses, and any overtime pay. Gross pay is the starting point for calculating an employee's take-home pay, as it serves as the basis for all subsequent deductions, including taxes and benefits. Understanding the distinction between gross pay and net pay is crucial in payroll accounting, as it affects both employee compensation and the employer's payroll obligations.

Net pay, in contrast, refers to the amount an employee receives after all deductions have been made, while take-home pay specifically focuses on the amount an employee receives after deductions, which is often synonymous with net pay. Bonus pay represents additional compensation that is not part of the regular gross pay, making gross pay the comprehensive term for the total earnings prior to any deductions.