Paystub Generator — FAQ
25 answers to the most common pay stub questions.
What is a pay stub?
A pay stub (also called a paycheck stub or earnings statement) is a document that details an employee's gross pay, all deductions, and net pay for a pay period. It accompanies each paycheck.
Is an employer required to provide pay stubs?
Requirements vary by state. About 26 states require employers to provide pay stubs. Some states (like Texas and Florida) have no pay stub requirement. Check your state's labor law for specifics.
What must be included on a pay stub?
Most states require: gross wages, taxes withheld (federal, state, local), FICA deductions (Social Security, Medicare), other deductions (health, 401k), and net pay. Many states also require pay period dates, pay rate, and hours worked.
What is gross pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions — the full amount you earned before taxes, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, and other withholdings are subtracted.
What is net pay?
Net pay is your take-home pay — gross pay minus all deductions. It is the amount that actually lands in your bank account or on your physical check.
What is FICA?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes fund Social Security (6.2% of wages) and Medicare (1.45% of wages). Employees pay these, and employers match them dollar for dollar.
How is federal income tax withholding calculated?
Federal withholding is based on your gross wages, filing status (single, married, head of household), and withholding allowances from your W-4. Our calculator uses 2026 IRS wage bracket tables.
What is the difference between W-2 and 1099 employees?
W-2 employees receive pay stubs and have taxes withheld by their employer. 1099 contractors receive no pay stub and must pay their own taxes quarterly. Only W-2 workers have FICA matched by their employer.
How do I calculate overtime on a pay stub?
Under the FLSA, overtime is 1.5x the regular rate for all hours over 40 per week. Some states (CA, CO, AK) also require daily overtime for hours over 8 per day.
What is a pay stub used for?
Pay stubs are used to: verify employment and income (for loans, apartments, visas), file taxes accurately, dispute payroll errors, apply for public benefits, and track year-to-date earnings.
Can I use a generated pay stub for a loan application?
A self-generated pay stub from a tool like ours is for reference purposes only. Lenders typically require employer-issued paystubs or direct bank statements as official income verification.
What is YTD (Year-to-Date) on a pay stub?
YTD figures show accumulated totals from January 1 through the current pay period — useful for checking total earnings, total taxes paid, and whether you've hit Social Security wage limits (,600 in 2026).
What is the Social Security wage base?
Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to the first ,600 of wages in 2026. Once you hit this limit, no further SS tax is withheld for the rest of the year.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA, health insurance) reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated, lowering your tax bill. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401k, disability insurance) come out after taxes.
How do I read my pay stub?
Look for: Gross Pay (what you earned), Earnings section (regular + OT breakdown), Deductions section (taxes + benefits), and Net Pay (what you take home). YTD columns show running totals.
What if my pay stub has an error?
Contact your payroll department immediately with documentation. Under the FLSA, employers must correct underpayment errors. Keep copies of all pay stubs to catch errors early.
How long should I keep pay stubs?
Keep pay stubs for at least 1 year (until you receive your W-2). Keep them 3-7 years if you need documentation for taxes, loan disputes, or Social Security claims.
What is a W-4 and how does it affect my pay stub?
The W-4 is a form you complete at hire that tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold. More allowances = less withholding = bigger paycheck but potentially a tax bill in April.
What deductions can appear on a pay stub?
Common deductions: federal/state/local income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, dental, vision, 401k/403b, HSA, FSA, life insurance, union dues, garnishments, and voluntary deductions.
What is a wage garnishment?
A wage garnishment is a court-ordered deduction from your paycheck — often for unpaid child support, student loans, or tax debts. Federal law limits garnishments to 25% of disposable income.
What is an imputed income on a pay stub?
Imputed income is the value of non-cash benefits (like employer-paid life insurance over ,000) that the IRS considers taxable income. It appears on your pay stub as a taxable addition.
Can self-employed people use this paystub generator?
Yes, for record-keeping purposes. Self-employed individuals can use this tool to document compensation paid to themselves or any W-2 employees they hire. Not a substitute for proper payroll software.
What is a pay period?
A pay period is the recurring cycle used to calculate and pay employee wages. Common options: weekly (52/year), bi-weekly (26/year), semi-monthly (24/year), monthly (12/year). Bi-weekly is most common in the US.
How is state income tax calculated?
State income tax varies widely: some states have no income tax (TX, FL, WA), some have flat rates (CO: 4.4%, IL: 4.95%), and others have progressive brackets (CA up to 13.3%). Enter your state rate in the calculator.
Is this pay stub generator free?
Yes, completely free. No watermarks, no signup, no credit card. Generate and print as many pay stubs as you need. This tool is provided for reference and record-keeping purposes.