What is a pay stub?
Understand the common information shown on a paycheck stub and why accurate earnings records matter.
Pay Stub Resources
Practical guidance for clearer payroll records.
Explore straightforward explanations about pay stubs, earnings statements, deductions, employee records and responsible document creation.
Start with the essentials
How the generator works
See the information to gather and the steps involved in creating and reviewing a professional pay stub.
Responsible use
Learn why documents should reflect real, authorized employment and payment information and when professional advice is appropriate.
How to use these payroll guides
Start with the guide closest to your question, follow the linked definitions and calculation pages, then verify time-sensitive tax or wage requirements using the cited IRS, Department of Labor or state-agency source. Each guide is educational and should be applied only to accurate, authorized records.
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Latest Guides
Pay stub articles
What Is a Pay Stub?
Learn how earnings, deductions, taxes, net pay and year-to-date figures fit together.
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay
Understand the difference between earnings before deductions and take-home pay.
Reading YTD Totals
See how cumulative payroll totals differ from the current pay period.
Payroll Learning Center
Calculations, deductions and wage-statement guides
Choose a topic for an answer-first explanation, practical review checklist and links to authoritative government guidance.
Pay Stub Deductions
Taxes, benefits, pre-tax and post-tax withholding explained.
Read Guide →Hourly Pay Stubs
Calculate verified hours, rates, gross earnings and net pay.
Read Guide →Salary Pay Stubs
Convert annual salary to the correct payroll-period amount.
Read Guide →Overtime Pay
Document regular hours, overtime hours, rates and earnings.
Read Guide →Contractor Records
Compare payment statements, invoices and Form 1099-NEC.
Read Guide →Pay Periods
Compare weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly payroll.
Read Guide →Payroll Glossary
Understand common paycheck and pay stub terminology.
Read Guide →State Requirements
Research state wage-statement and pay stub requirements.
Read Guide →California Requirements
Review California itemized wage statement guidance.
Read Guide →New York Requirements
Review New York wage statement guidance and resources.
Read Guide →