What is a Check Stub?

A check stub is attached to a check, and provides the detail regarding the amount paid. The contents of a check stub typically include the invoice number paid and the amount paid, which sums to a grand total paid. When a check stub relates to a paycheck, it itemizes the gross amount being paid, minus all pay deductions, resulting in a net pay figure.

How is a Check Stub Used?

The information on a check stub is used by the recipient to match cash receipts against invoiced amounts in the recipient’s accounting system, and so reduces the volume of calls back to the accounting department, asking about the nature of payments made. If a check stub relates to a paycheck, then the check stub is used by the recipient to examine his or her gross pay, deductions, and net pay information. This is a good way for an employee to spot problems in a paycheck and bring these issues to the attention of the accounting department.

What is a Paystub?

A variation on the check stub concept is a paystub. It contains the detail for the amount of net pay stated on the attached paycheck. The information stated on a paystub includes the amount of gross pay, all taxes withheld, and all other deductions withheld, resulting in a net pay amount. Employees typically review their paystubs to ensure that their gross pay was calculated correctly, and that the correct deductions were taken from their pay.