Glossary

Check Stub

A check stub is a record that shows how an employee’s pay was calculated for a specific pay period. It typically lists gross pay, taxes, deductions, and net pay, and is also commonly called a pay stub.

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A check stub is a record that explains how an employee's pay was calculated for a specific pay period. It is commonly called a pay stub and may be provided with a paper paycheck or electronically when an employee is paid by direct deposit.

A check stub typically shows gross pay, taxes withheld, benefit deductions, retirement contributions, other payroll deductions, and the employee's net pay. It may also include hours worked, pay rates, overtime, bonuses, commissions, paid time off, and year-to-date totals.

Employees can use their check stubs to confirm that their pay, hours, taxes, and deductions look correct. They may also use them as proof of income when applying for a loan, renting a home, or completing other financial paperwork.

Employers should maintain accurate payroll records and follow any state or local requirements for wage statements. The information employers must provide, and whether a statement can be delivered electronically, can vary depending on where the employee works.

Frequently asked questions

Is a check stub the same as a pay stub?

Yes. Check stub and pay stub are commonly used to describe the same payroll record showing an employee's earnings, taxes, deductions, and net pay for a pay period.

What information is on a check stub?

A check stub commonly includes gross pay, taxes withheld, deductions, and net pay. It may also show hours worked, overtime, bonuses, commissions, benefit contributions, and year-to-date totals.

Do employees receive a check stub with direct deposit?

They can. Employees who receive direct deposit may still receive an electronic or paper pay statement showing the same information that would appear on a traditional check stub.

Why should employees review their check stubs?

Reviewing a check stub can help employees spot issues with hours, pay rates, taxes, deductions, or other payroll information before a small error turns into a bigger one.

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