The short version
- Gross pay is before anything is taken out.
- Taxes and deductions are listed separately.
- Net pay is what reaches your account.
01Top of the stub
Usually shows the pay period, pay date, hours and rate, and gross pay for the period and the year to date.
02Taxes withheld
- Federal income tax.
- Social Security and Medicare (often shown as FICA).
- State and local income tax, where they apply.
03Other deductions
Benefits such as health coverage or retirement contributions may appear here. Some are taken before tax and some after.
04Check it each time
- Are the hours right?
- Did anything change from last period?
- Who in payroll or HR do I ask about a line I do not understand?
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