US Pay Stub Checker
Enter what your pay stub shows. We explain each line in plain English, estimate whether the federal, FICA, state, and local amounts look reasonable, and flag items worth checking with payroll.
In plain English
Pay stubs contain sensitive information. Before uploading, cover or crop your full Social Security number, bank details, address, employee ID, employer reference numbers, QR codes, barcodes, and any personal identifiers.
- · Full Social Security number
- · Bank account / routing numbers
- · Home address
- · Employee ID, reference numbers
- · QR codes, barcodes, signatures
- · Any personal identifier
Prefer not to upload? Use manual entry — every field can be typed.
Upload a pay stub image
Drag your pay stub here, or click to choose
PNG, JPG, WEBP, GIF. Up to 6 MB.
Prefer to type? Switch to .
What to check on your pay stub
- Did your gross pay match hours × rate (hourly) or salary ÷ periods (salaried)?
- Is Social Security exactly 6.2% of FICA-taxable wages?
- Is Medicare exactly 1.45% (plus 0.9% on YTD wages over $200k)?
- Did federal withholding move because of a W-4 update or year-to-date crossing a bracket?
- Is the state on the stub the state where you actually work or live?
- Did each pre-tax deduction (401k, HSA, FSA, health) match your benefits-portal election?
- Are any garnishments backed by an order you have a copy of?
A flag here means a polite question is reasonable — not that an error has been made. Use the Ask Payroll Generator to draft a polite, specific message in 30 seconds.
How to read your US pay stub
Most US pay stubs follow the same pattern, even if the layout differs.
- Earnings. Regular hours, overtime, holiday, PTO, bonus, commission. This is your gross pay for the period.
- Federal taxes. Federal income tax (based on your W-4), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%).
- State and local taxes. State income tax (or none — see your state hub). Local or city tax in places like NYC, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, St. Louis, and many Ohio cities.
- Pre-tax deductions. Traditional 401(k), HSA, FSA, most health insurance premiums. These reduce taxable wages.
- Post-tax deductions. Roth 401(k), union dues (in most states), garnishments.
- Net pay. What lands in your bank account.
- Year-to-date totals. Cumulative wages and deductions from January 1.
What this tool can and cannot do
It can walk through each line, compare your figures to standard rates, and flag items that look unusual.
It cannot confirm a payroll error, replace your CPA or HR department, or guarantee accuracy. Always verify with payroll for anything that affects how much you take home.
Official sources
- IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- IRS Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- IRS Form W-4 and instructions — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- IRS Topic 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates — IRS · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
- SSA — Contribution and Benefit Base — SSA · 2025 · last verified 2025-04-01
Common questions
What does the Pay Stub Checker actually do?▾
You enter the figures from your pay stub (or upload it). The tool organises the lines, explains each deduction in plain English, and flags items worth checking with payroll. Status labels are "Looks normal", "Worth reviewing", or "Ask payroll" — never "wrong", "illegal", or "wage theft".
Will it work with my employer's pay stub format?▾
Yes — pay stub formats vary, but the underlying line items are similar. You can enter values manually for any format.
Does this prove my employer made a mistake?▾
No. A flag means "worth a question" — it does not prove an error, certify payroll accuracy, or determine that money is owed. Always confirm with your payroll department.
Can a screening service or lender use this?▾
No. PayslipIQ USA is not a consumer reporting agency. Outputs are educational explanations, not consumer reports under the FCRA, and must not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, lending, insurance, credit, or eligibility decisions.
Email me my pay stub explanation
We will email you a printable summary of this paycheck breakdown plus the next-month checklist.