Published by W2Paystub. Content and source review: September 3, 2026.
About our guides and source standards
The basic paystub checklist
A paystub generally explains who was paid, who issued the payment, which period the payment covers, and how gross earnings became net pay. Exact requirements vary by location and situation, so treat this as an organizational guide rather than legal advice.
Employer and employee information
- Employer or business name and contact information
- Employee name and any authorized identifying details required for the record
- Employee ID or similar internal reference, when applicable
Pay-period information
- Beginning and ending dates of the pay period
- Payment date
- Pay frequency, such as weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly
Earnings
Earnings may include regular wages, salary, overtime, bonuses and commissions. Show hours and rates separately where applicable. Keep reimbursements identifiable as separate adjustments; their tax treatment depends on the circumstances.
Taxes and other deductions
A clear paystub itemizes amounts withheld from gross pay. These may include applicable taxes, benefit contributions, retirement contributions, insurance, garnishments, or other authorized deductions.
Gross pay, net pay, and year-to-date totals
Gross pay is compensation before deductions. Net pay is the amount remaining after deductions. Year-to-date figures summarize accumulated amounts for the current year when applicable.
Before finishing: compare names, dates, rates, hours, earnings, deductions, and totals against the source payroll records you are authorized to use.
Sources and related payroll guides
The U.S. Department of Labor lists employer recordkeeping items such as hours, pay rates, earnings, deductions and payment dates. Employer records and employee-facing pay statements are different documents; consult your jurisdiction for wage-statement rules.
U.S. Department of Labor: payroll recordkeeping
State pay stub guides and official agency resources
Gross pay versus net pay, with an example
Six checks for reviewing a pay stub
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