MakePaystubProProfessional Paystubs

Updated for 2026

Payroll & Tax Insights

Expert guides on tax deadlines, hiring employees, income verification, and payroll management for 2026.

Featured for 2026

2026 Tax Deadlines: Complete Calendar for Freelancers & Business Owners

Every 2026 tax deadline you need: 1099-NEC, W-2, quarterly estimated taxes, individual returns. Never miss a deadline or pay a penalty again.

1099-NEC Deadline 2026: Filing Date, Late Penalties & How to File

The 1099-NEC deadline for 2026 is January 31. Learn late filing penalties ($60-$630/form), who needs one, and step-by-step filing instructions.

Hiring Your First Employee in 2026: Complete Checklist

Step-by-step checklist for hiring your first employee: get an EIN, set up payroll, collect W-4 & I-9 forms, understand tax withholding, and create paystubs.

How to Make a Paystub: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Learn how to make a paystub step-by-step. Covers what information you need, how taxes are calculated, and how to create professional pay stubs.

Free Paystub Generator 2026: Create Pay Stubs Online (No Watermark)

Create professional paystubs for free. Learn what 'free' really means, compare features, and find the best paystub generator for your needs.

Self-Employed Paystub Generator: Create Your Own Pay Stubs

Self-employed? Learn how to create legitimate paystubs for income verification. Includes what to include, tax calculations, and do's and don'ts.

Paystub Requirements by State: What Employers Must Provide [2026]

Complete state-by-state guide to pay stub laws. Learn which states require employers to provide paystubs, what information must be included, and penalties.

1099-NEC Threshold: When You Don't Need to File [2026 Guide]

Learn the $600 threshold rule for 1099-NEC filing. Find out when you're required to file, exceptions, and what happens if you pay contractors under $600.

All Articles

Rental GuideJan 1, 2026

Proof of Income for Renting 2026: What Landlords Accept

What landlords accept as proof of income: paystubs, tax returns, bank statements & more. Includes requirements for self-employed, freelancers & gig workers.

11 min readRead More

Rental GuideJan 1, 2026

How Many Paystubs Do You Need for an Apartment?

Landlords typically require 2-3 recent paystubs for apartment applications. Learn exactly what's needed and what to do if you don't have traditional paystubs.

8 min readRead More

Paystub GuideJan 15, 2026

Online Paystub Generator: Create Instant Pay Stubs in 2 Minutes

Create professional paystubs online instantly. No software to install, automatic tax calculations, instant PDF download. The fastest way to generate pay stubs.

9 min readRead More

Small BusinessJan 15, 2026

Best Paystub Generator for Small Business 2026

Find the best paystub generator for your small business. Compare features, pricing, and compliance requirements. Create professional employee paystubs.

10 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2025

How to Fill Out Form W-9 as a Freelancer or Single-Member LLC

Step-by-step guide to filling out IRS Form W-9 for freelancers and single-member LLCs. Learn what to enter in each box, common mistakes to avoid, and when to use SSN vs EIN.

10 min readRead More

ComplianceJan 15, 2025

Remote Employees and I-9 Verification: What Employers Need to Know

How to complete Form I-9 for remote employees. Learn about authorized representatives, virtual verification options, and compliance requirements for remote hiring.

12 min readRead More

BusinessJan 15, 2025

How to Apply for an EIN with SS-4: Guide for Single-Member LLCs

Step-by-step guide to applying for an EIN using IRS Form SS-4. Learn when single-member LLCs need an EIN, how to apply online, and common mistakes to avoid.

11 min readRead More

ComplianceJan 15, 2025

I-9 Compliance for Small Landlords Hiring a Handyman or On-Site Manager

Small landlord hiring help? Learn when Form I-9 is required for handymen, property managers, and on-site staff. Avoid costly fines with this compliance guide.

10 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 10, 2025

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a W-2 for Your First Employee

New employer? Learn exactly how to fill out Form W-2 for your first employee. Avoid common mistakes and ensure IRS compliance with this step-by-step guide.

12 min readRead More

Gig EconomyJan 8, 2025

How to Create Paystubs for Uber, DoorDash & Gig Workers

Gig workers: Learn how to create professional paystubs for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart income. Prove income for apartments, loans, and more.

9 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsJan 5, 2025

Paystub Codes Explained: FIT, OASDI, MED, YTD & More

Decode your paystub! Understand common abbreviations like FIT, OASDI, MED, YTD, and other earnings & deduction codes on your pay statement.

8 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsNov 10, 2024

Understanding Paystub Deductions: A Complete Guide

Learn about federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and voluntary deductions. Everything you need to know about what comes out of your paycheck.

8 min readRead More

Employee RightsJan 15, 2026

Employer Didn't Give Me a Paystub: What to Do [Step-by-Step]

Your employer won't give you a paystub? Learn your rights by state, how to request pay stubs, file complaints, and alternative ways to verify income.

10 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsJan 15, 2026

Paystub Doesn't Match Direct Deposit: Why & How to Fix

Your paystub shows a different amount than your bank deposit? Learn the common reasons for discrepancies and how to investigate and resolve them.

8 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsJan 15, 2026

Pay Stub vs Paycheck vs Earning Statement: What's the Difference?

Confused about pay stubs, paychecks, and earning statements? Learn the differences, what information each contains, and which document you need.

7 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsJan 15, 2026

How to Calculate Gross Pay vs Net Pay on a Paystub

Learn the difference between gross and net pay. Step-by-step breakdown of how your paycheck is calculated, including all deductions and taxes.

9 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2026

What is Nonemployee Compensation? 1099-NEC Box 1 Explained

Understand nonemployee compensation on 1099-NEC Box 1. Learn what income qualifies, what doesn't, and how it affects your taxes.

10 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2026

1099-NEC State Filing Requirements by State [2026 Guide]

Complete state-by-state guide to 1099-NEC filing. Learn which states require separate filing, deadlines, and how to use the CF/SF program.

12 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2026

Backup Withholding on 1099-NEC: Box 4 Explained

Understand backup withholding on 1099-NEC Box 4. Learn what triggers the 24% withholding, how to report it, and how to stop it.

8 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2026

I Received a 1099-NEC But I'm an Employee: What to Do

Received a 1099 instead of W-2? You may be misclassified. Learn the signs, your options, how to report it, and the tax implications.

11 min readRead More

Tax FormsJan 15, 2026

How to Correct a 1099-NEC: Voided and Corrected Forms

Made a mistake on a 1099-NEC? Learn how to file a corrected or voided form, Type 1 vs Type 2 corrections, and deadlines for corrections.

9 min readRead More

Auto LoansFeb 15, 2026

How Many Pay Stubs Do You Need for a Car Loan? [2026 Guide]

Most auto lenders require 2-3 recent pay stubs (30-60 days). Learn requirements by lender type, DTI calculations, and alternatives for self-employed buyers.

11 min readRead More

Mortgage GuideFeb 15, 2026

How Many Pay Stubs for a Mortgage? Lender Requirements [2026 Guide]

Mortgage lenders require 30 days of pay stubs (typically 2-3 stubs). Covers conventional, FHA, VA loans, full document checklist, and self-employed alternatives.

14 min readRead More

Payroll BasicsFeb 15, 2026

How to Read a Pay Stub: Understanding Your Paycheck [2026 Guide]

Step-by-step guide to reading every section of your pay stub. Covers gross pay, taxes, deductions, net pay, and YTD totals with real calculation examples.

12 min readRead More

Loan GuideFeb 15, 2026

Pay Stubs for a Personal Loan: What Lenders Require [2026 Guide]

Personal loan lenders typically require 2-3 recent pay stubs. Compare requirements by lender type, DTI limits, and alternatives for self-employed borrowers.

10 min readRead More

Tax GuideFeb 15, 2026

Year-End Pay Stub: Why Your Last Paycheck of the Year Matters for Taxes [2026]

Your year-end pay stub is your W-2 verification tool. Learn how to compare YTD totals to your W-2, catch errors, and prepare for tax filing season.

13 min readRead More