What is a paystub?
A pay stub is the earnings statement that comes with a paycheck. Here's what each part means — and how to create one.
- ✓Gross pay. Total earnings before any taxes or deductions.
- ✓Taxes withheld. Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state tax.
- ✓Net pay. Take-home pay after taxes and deductions.
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CO.FILEDEPT.CLOCKVCHR.NO062
bvw2750881968571728172169
COMPANY NAME
(555) 555-5555
COMPANY ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP
Social Security Number:XXX-XX-1234Taxable Marital Status:Single
EarningsRateHoursAmountYear To Date
Regular20.0080.001,600.0020,800.00
Gross Pay1,600.0020,800.00
DeductionStatutory
FICA - Medicare-23.20301.60
FICA - Social Security-99.201,289.60
Federal Tax-108.151,405.95
State Tax-0.000.00
Net Pay$1,369.45
Check-$1,369.45
Net Check$0.00
Earnings Statement
Period Beginning:06/14/2026Period Ending:06/27/2026Pay Date:06/27/2026
EMPLOYEE NAME
(555) 555-5555
EMPLOYEE ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP
Other Benefits
and InformationThis PeriodYear To Date
and InformationThis PeriodYear To Date
A pay stub (also called a paycheck stub, payslip, or earnings statement) is a document that breaks down an employee's pay for a specific period. It shows gross earnings, the taxes and deductions withheld, and the net pay that actually lands in the bank — plus year-to-date totals.
Pay stubs are the standard proof-of-income document. Landlords, lenders, and banks use them to verify how much you earn.
Frequently asked questions
- What does YTD mean on a pay stub?
- YTD is 'year-to-date' — the running total of earnings, taxes, and deductions from January 1 through the current pay date.
- What's the difference between gross and net pay?
- Gross pay is what you earn before withholdings; net pay is what remains after taxes and deductions — your take-home amount.
- What taxes appear on a pay stub?
- Federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and — in most states — state income tax.
- How do I get a pay stub if I don't have one?
- If you're self-employed or replacing a lost stub, PaystubProof creates a professional pay stub from the figures you enter in minutes.
Create your professional paystub now
Accurate taxes, bank-safe formatting, instant PDF. Single stub $5.99 — or 3 for $14.99.
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