Independent guide

Pay stub totals and identifying information

Start with the pay date and period, identify whose statement it is, then separate current amounts from year-to-date totals.

Last updated September 13, 2026

Start with the pay date and period, identify whose statement it is, then separate current amounts from year-to-date totals.

Reconcile a statement in the right order

Check the pay-period dates, add current earnings, identify employee taxes and deductions, then match net pay to all payment destinations. A check number or employee identifier is not an amount. YTD columns track the same line over the year and must not be subtracted again.

After a payroll-system change, compare closing totals from the previous system with opening totals in the new one. A fresh employee ID or blank online history does not prove that year-to-date earnings started again. Ask payroll whether balances were migrated and how corrected statements are identified.

Look up the codes in this section

Code or labelMeaning or possible interpretation
Check No.Check or payment reference number
EIDEmployee identification number
EINEmployer identification number
ENEmployee name
SSNSocial Security number
YTDYear to date

Source and next step

See the official background guidance for the underlying rules. Internal abbreviations are employer-defined and must be confirmed locally.

Browse the complete payroll abbreviation directory or payroll guides for the wider context.