Pay stub

Itemized record of a single paycheck.

Definition

A pay stub — also called an earnings statement — is the itemized paper or digital record showing gross pay, hours worked, pre-tax deductions, taxable wages, federal and state tax withholding, FICA, post-tax deductions, employer-paid benefits (informational), and net pay for a single pay period. Most states require employers to provide pay stubs in either electronic or paper form. Pay stubs are commonly required for mortgage applications, apartment rentals, and loan underwriting as proof of income.

Example

An employee accesses 12 months of pay stubs through the employer's payroll portal to apply for a mortgage.

Related terms

• Pay period — The recurring window of time covered by a single paycheck.
• Pay frequency — How often paychecks are issued.
• Payday — The calendar day wages are deposited.
• In arrears — Wages paid after the pay period ends.
• Biweekly — Every other week — 26 paychecks per year.
• Semimonthly — Twice per month on fixed dates — 24 paychecks per year.

See also

• Pay schedule calculator — convert salary to per-paycheck amount
• Pay frequencies primer — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly
• Frequently asked questions