Pay Stub Review

2026 · PAY STUB REVIEW
Are you paidan hourly wage?Did you take holiday or sick time during this pay period?Were appropriate taxes withheld on your behalf?After reviewing your prior Form 1040 and current year projections, do you need to direct any changes to your tax withholding?Do you work overtime and/or receive tips?Your regular pay should equal your hourly wage multiplied by your hours worked.These hours may be reported on your pay stub, or on a separate document.Review the amounts withheld for federal income tax, any state and local taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, and make sure they are accurate (e.g., correct states and localities, etc.). These taxes reduce your paycheck. Income from overtime and/or tips should be properly documented and reported, especially if taking the overtime and/or tips tax deduction (subject to limitations).Your regular pay should equal a share of your salary proportionate to your pay period. Any bonus pay should be listed separately.Are you paid a salary?These savings/expenses reduce your taxable income and paycheck.These after-tax savings/debt payments reduce your paycheck.Review any additional amounts withheld from your paycheck, and complete a new W-4 to make any adjustments.Did you have any pre-tax deductions, such as traditional retirement plan, FSA, and HSA contributions, or certain payments for dependent care, insurance premiums, commuter benefits, etc.?Did you have anyRoth retirement plan contributions or loan payments deducted from your pay, or were wages garnished?Did you pay any nondeductible expenses directly from your paycheck, such as certain insurance premiums, dues, etc.?These additional voluntary expenditures reduce your paycheck.Were any employer-paid benefits reported?Review any employer healthcare and/or retirement contributions and fringe benefits. These perks increase your total compensation.Make sure your filing status and withholdings are accurate, and complete a new W-4 and update your retirement contributions, if changes are needed.YesNoNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesYesNoYesNoYesNoSTART HERE
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Aaron Vaughn
30400 Detroit Road Suite 305a Westlake, OH 44145
aaron@defiantservicesllc.com | 440-385-0208 | www.defiantservicesllc.com