A pay stub is a document that provides detailed information about an employee’s pay for a specific pay period. It includes gross pay, deductions, net pay, and often year-to-date totals.
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How to make a pay stub
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Begin by providing employee and employer details such as name, address, and identification numbers.
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List the gross income for the pay period, broken down into regular salary, overtime payments, commissions, or bonuses if applicable.
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Detail all deductions, including taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, or other withholdings.
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Subtract the total deductions from the gross pay to calculate net pay, which is the amount the employee actually receives.
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Provide a year-to-date summary of the total income and deductions for reference.
How to use a pay stub template
Pay stub templates can simplify the process of creating pay stubs and ensure all necessary elements are included. Here’s how:
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Select an appropriate pay stub template that aligns with your company’s payroll needs.
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Fill out the template with the employee’s information, including the pay period dates, gross pay, and any deductions.
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Ensure the calculated net pay correctly represents the employee’s take-home pay after all deductions.
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Review for accuracy and issue it to the employee with their paycheck.
Pay stub FAQ
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Why are pay stubs necessary? Pay stubs are important because they provide a record of an employee’s earnings and deductions. They are often required when applying for a loan or verifying employment.
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Can I create a pay stub online? Yes, there are numerous online tools and templates available to generate accurate pay stubs.
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Are employers required to provide pay stubs? No, employers are not requied to provide pay stubs in all 50 states; the requirement varies by location. Some states in the U.S. require employers to provide pay stubs, while others do not.
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
