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Reviewed by PayslipIQ Editorial Team, in-house payroll editor
Last reviewed May 2026 · Editorial standards

Common Pay Stub Mistakes (US)

Most payroll errors are software glitches or data-entry mistakes, not malice. Spot them early and most resolve quickly. Twelve patterns cover the majority of cases.

PayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, accounting, employment, benefits, or payroll advice. PayslipIQ is not a CPA firm, law firm, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax authority. Always verify your paycheck, deductions, withholdings, and tax position with your employer's payroll department, a qualified CPA, the IRS, your state tax authority, or another appropriately qualified professional. Calculations are estimates; your actual paycheck may differ based on factors specific to your employer, location, benefits elections, and personal tax situation.

The twelve most common errors

  1. Missing overtime on a non-exempt worker who exceeded 40 hours.
  2. Wrong filing status applied. W-4 says single but withholding looks MFJ, or vice versa.
  3. YTD mismatch. YTD on this stub does not equal prior YTD plus current period.
  4. Pre-tax deduction not reducing taxable wages. You contribute to traditional 401(k) but federal taxable wages match gross.
  5. Doubled deduction. Health premium deducted twice in one period.
  6. Missing 401(k) employer match per plan rules.
  7. State tax for a state you do not work in. Common after a remote-work address change.
  8. No FICA on bonus. Bonuses are FICA-taxable. Missing FICA on a supplemental check is a flag.
  9. Pay rate mismatch. Hourly rate or salary does not match offer letter.
  10. PTO accrual disappearing without a corresponding payout.
  11. Wage garnishment without notice. Most states require notice before garnishment starts.
  12. Final paycheck delayed. Many states require fast turnaround on terminations.

What to do if you spot one

  1. Do not accuse. Most payroll errors are software or data-entry, not malice.
  2. Document. Save the pay stub PDF. Note the specific line and the discrepancy.
  3. Use the Ask Payroll generator to draft a polite, factual message.
  4. If unresolved within a reasonable time and wages are at stake, the US Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division accepts complaints. State labor departments also handle wage claims.

What PayslipIQ does and does not do

We help you spot patterns and frame the question. We do not adjudicate any specific employer's records. We do not contact your employer. We do not represent you in any dispute.

Frequently asked questions

Is my employer required to give me a pay stub?
Depends on the state. See your state's pay stub laws page. Federal FLSA requires recordkeeping but does not require you receive a stub.
Can I sue my employer over a pay stub mistake?
Maybe, depending on the violation and state law. Consult an employment attorney.
Will PayslipIQ contact my employer for me?
No. We help you understand the stub and draft polite messages. You contact your employer.

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