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What Is a Check Stub and Why You Might Need One

A check stub shows how much money was earned during a pay period and what deductions were taken out. For most employees, this document is attached to a paycheck. But if you are self -employed, you do not get a pay stub from an employer.

That does not mean you will never need one.

Tip: A check stub can help you show earnings when applying for loans, renting a place to live, filing taxes, or proving income to clients or courts.

Self -generated pay stubs are especially useful for:

• Freelancers
• Gig workers
• Contractors
• Small business owners

The IRS recommends keeping detailed records if you are self- employed. You can read about this on their Recordkeeping page.

Why Self Employed Workers Need Proof of Income

Getting paid through apps or direct deposits works fine for day-to-day work. But when you need to show someone how much you earn, it helps to have that information in one clean format.

Tip: If you ever need to give banking information for payments or deposits but do not want to provide a full pay stub, you can also use a voided check. Here is a guide on how to void a check safely for direct deposit, bills or fixed mistakes.

Common uses for self-generated check stubs:

• Applying for a mortgage, credit card, or loan
• Renting a home or apartment
• Filing taxes with detailed earnings info
• Meeting legal requirements in court
• Presenting income to secure freelance work

Check stubs help turn scattered payments into one readable document that others will understand and accept.

How to Make a Check Stub for Freelancers: Step-by-Step

Here is how to create a professional check stub that shows your income clearly and stays IRS compliant.

Step 1: Get Your Payment Details Ready

Make sure you have:

• Your name or business name
• Contact information
• Pay period start and end dates
• Pay date
• Gross income
• Any deductions (tax, insurance, business costs)

Tip: Write everything down before you start generating the stub. It keeps the process simple.

Step 2: Pick a Pay Schedule

Freelancers often issue stubs:

• Monthly
• Every two weeks

Use the same frequency across all stubs. This creates a consistent record that is easier to follow.

Step 3: Use a Generator Made for Self Employed Workers

Instead of making one manually, try a tool that is designed for pay stub creation. ePayStubs.net lets you:

• Fill in your details quickly
• Download or print the stub instantly
• Skip logins or subscriptions
• Avoid saving any of your financial data

What Should a Self Employed Check Stub Include

To be taken seriously, your stub must contain the right details.

Here is a clear layout:

Tip: Keep the layout consistent. It builds trust when others look at your documents.

Is It Legal to Create Your Own Pay Stub

Yes. You can legally create a pay stub for yourself if you are self- employed and the numbers are correct.

Checkpoints:

• The stub must show real income
• Deductions should match actual costs or taxes
• No inflated or false information allowed

Changing numbers to appear more qualified for loans or housing can lead to serious legal issues. If you need to report income on your taxes, look into Schedule C with Form 1040. More details are on the Schedule C page from the IRS.

When to Use a Check Stub for Income Verification

You may not always know ahead of time when someone will ask to see proof of income. Keeping check stubs on hand can help in these situations:

Use cases:

• A landlord asks for three months of income records
• A bank needs stubs before approving a loan
• You want to show financial consistency to a client
• A court asks for proof of self -employed income
• You want to keep track of your own monthly earnings

Tip: Pay stubs also make tax season easier by showing net and gross pay in one place.

What to Look for in a Pay Stub Generator

Not every stub generator is built for freelancers or small business owners. Some require sign ups, others save your data, and many are built for large HR teams.

Checklist for self -employed tools:

• Simple form to fill out
• Works without logging in
• Creates a PDF or printable file
• No long term subscription
• No personal info stored

ePayStubs.net is designed with these in mind. You can create a pay stub in under two minutes without giving up your data.

For more help tracking freelance income, you can also visit NerdWallet's freelancer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Employed Stubs

Can I really make my own check stub?

Yes. You are allowed to create your own stub if the details are correct and match your actual income.

Will it count as proof of income?

Yes. Many lenders, landlords, and services will accept a stub as long as it shows the right information.

How often should I generate one?

Most freelancers use monthly or bi-weekly pay periods, but you can choose what fits your workflow.

Do I need any special tools?

No. You only need your income details and a tool to generate the stub. No downloads are required.

What if I work with different clients?

You can combine income from multiple clients into one stub, or create separate ones for each. Just make sure the dates and totals are accurate.

Ready to Create Your IRS Compliant Pay Stub

Creating your own check stub helps you take control of your income records. It shows others that your work is organized and easy to verify.

Ready to create your IRS compliant pay stub?
Visit ePayStubs.net and generate one in under 2 minutes. No logins. No hassle.

About the Writer

Written by a payroll specialist with years of experience supporting freelancers, gig workers, and small business earners who need clear and honest income documentation.