Understand your pay stub.

Start with the dates.

The pay period is the span of work covered by the stub. The pay date is the date of payment. These dates can differ: a weekly period might end on a Friday, with payment on the following Monday.

Choose the pay frequency and stub order, then enter the first stub’s pay date. The form suggests the related dates. Review and adjust them to match your actual payroll schedule.

Earnings and gross pay.

Gross pay is pay before deductions. For hourly pay, the rate and hours worked are key inputs. For salary pay, enter the annual salary and select the correct pay frequency.

Suggested hours are a starting point. Always replace them with the hours actually worked for each pay period.

From gross pay to net pay.

Deductions reduce gross pay to arrive at net pay. The preview separates the calculated tax deductions so you can review them.

Use the correct tax state and filing details. Review the amounts against your payroll records before purchasing.

What does YTD mean?

Year to date (YTD) shows cumulative amounts for the calendar year through that pay stub. Current-period amounts cover only the period shown.

Choose the form’s YTD starting point carefully. If you provide previous totals, use your existing payroll records so the new stub continues from the right figures.

A final review makes the difference.

• Check company and employee names, dates and pay frequency.
• Verify rate or salary, hours, deductions and YTD amounts.
• Review every stub and any optional deposit slip.
• Confirm the delivery email and final checkout total.

For background on payroll records, see the U.S. Department of Labor’s recordkeeping guidance. Keep your documents consistent with actual pay and employment records. For annual reconciliation, see why W-2 wages can differ from pay stub totals.