Pay stub and payroll guides
Plain-English guides to pay stubs, payroll taxes and tax forms for small employers.
1099-R Distribution Codes Explained (Box 7 Codes List)
What the codes in box 7 of Form 1099-R mean: early distributions, rollovers, Roth IRA codes and more. A plain-English list for retirees and plan administrators.
Read article →Canadian Pay Stub Deductions Explained: CPP, CPP2, EI and Income Tax
What comes off a Canadian paycheque: CPP and CPP2 contributions, EI premiums, and federal and provincial income tax. How each one works and what goes on a pay stub.
Read article →Form 940 Explained: How FUTA Tax Works for Small Employers
Who files Form 940, how the 0.6% FUTA tax is calculated on the first $7,000 of wages, when it is due, and when to make deposits. With a worked example.
Read article →How to Apply for an ITIN With Form W-7 (Step by Step)
Who needs an ITIN, which documents to send with Form W-7, the three ways to apply, how long it takes and why ITINs expire. A clear guide for first-time applicants.
Read article →How to Calculate Net Pay From Gross Pay (With a Worked Example)
Gross pay minus taxes and deductions equals net pay. See each step, from FICA to federal and state withholding, with a real biweekly paycheck example.
Read article →Pay Stub Abbreviations: How to Read a Pay Stub (Complete List)
FIT, OASDI, SDI, YTD and more. A plain-English guide to the abbreviations on a pay stub, so employers and employees can read every line with confidence.
Read article →What Should Be on a Pay Stub? Required Information for Employers
The items every pay stub should include, what states like California and New York require, and common mistakes employers make with wage statements.
Read article →How to Make a Pay Stub: A Step-by-Step Guide for Employers (2026)
Learn what goes on a pay stub, how gross pay, taxes and deductions are calculated, and how to make a pay stub for your employees in a few minutes.
Read article →W-2 vs 1099: What's the Difference Between Employees and Contractors?
W-2 employees and 1099 contractors are taxed and paid differently. Learn the key differences, which forms you need, and how to classify workers correctly.
Read article →