What is a pay stub?
A pay stub is a document that shows the breakdown of an employee’s pay for a specific pay period. It accompanies a paycheck, whether physical or direct deposit, and provides a detailed record of earnings, deductions, taxes, and the final net pay amount.
Pay stubs serve as proof of income for employees and as a record-keeping tool for employers. They’re essential for tax filing, loan applications, rental agreements, and resolving any payroll disputes.
In the UK, the equivalent document is called a payslip. While the format differs slightly, the purpose is the same: to give employees a transparent breakdown of their pay.
What should a pay stub include?
A complete pay stub covers everything an employee needs to understand their compensation:
- Employee Information: Full name, employee ID, and Social Security number (usually partially masked)
- Employer Information: Company name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Pay Period: The start and end dates of the pay period, plus the payment date
- Earnings: Regular hours and rate, overtime hours and rate, bonuses, commissions, and gross pay total
- Deductions: Federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, retirement contributions, and any other withholdings
- Year-to-Date Totals: Running totals for gross earnings and each deduction category since January 1
- Net Pay: The final take-home amount after all deductions
Last updated: March 2026