Free Template ยท IRS-Compliant Format

Free Pay Stub Template (2026)

A free, IRS-compliant pay stub template for US employers. Shows gross pay, taxes withheld (federal, state, FICA), pre-tax deductions, net pay, YTD totals, and employer info. Word + PDF.

Get the template in 30 seconds

Enter your email and we'll send it to your inbox immediately.

No spam. One follow-up about MyCo. Unsubscribe anytime.

What's inside

Employer header

  • Company name + address
  • EIN (Employer ID)
  • Pay period start & end
  • Pay date
  • Check number

Employee info

  • Employee name + ID
  • SSN (last 4 only)
  • Department
  • Filing status
  • Allowances

Earnings breakdown

  • Regular hours + rate
  • Overtime hours + rate
  • Holiday pay
  • Bonuses + commissions
  • Reimbursements (non-taxable)

Deductions

  • Federal income tax
  • State income tax
  • Social Security (6.2%)
  • Medicare (1.45%)
  • Pre-tax: 401(k), health insurance, HSA
  • Post-tax: garnishments, child support, union dues

Net & YTD

  • Current pay period net
  • Year-to-date gross
  • YTD taxes withheld
  • YTD net pay
  • Available PTO balance

Beyond the template

MyCo automates this workflow

Stop emailing PDFs. MyCo's mobile app handles pay stub (2026) digitally — with e-sign, automatic file storage, and HR record-keeping.

Book Your Free Demo →

FAQs

Is providing pay stubs required in the US?

Federal law (FLSA) does not require pay stubs. But most states do require them. California, New York, Texas, Florida all have specific state-level requirements for pay statement contents.

What must a pay stub include legally?

Most US states require: employer name + address, employee name, pay period, gross wages, hours worked, all deductions (itemized), net pay, year-to-date totals. CA, NY, and others add detailed requirements.

How long should I keep pay stubs?

IRS requires employers to keep payroll records for at least 4 years. State requirements may be longer (CA: 4 years; NY: 6 years). Best practice: 7 years total.

Can I provide pay stubs digitally?

Yes, in most states. Employees must be able to access and print them. Some states (CA) require employer to provide a paper copy on request.

Does MyCo generate pay stubs?

Yes. MyCo generates digital pay stubs every payroll run, accessible by employees in the mobile app. PDF download available for any past period. Fully IRS-compliant and state-compliant in all 50 states.