Paystub Doesn't Match Direct Deposit
Most Common Cause
Split deposits or garnishments
Before assuming there's an error, check if your direct deposit is split between multiple accounts or if you have wage garnishments that may not appear on your regular paystub.
Seeing a different amount in your bank than your paystub shows? This guide helps you investigate the discrepancy and take action if there's an error.
Common Reasons for Discrepancies
Here are the most frequent explanations when your deposit doesn't match your paystub:
Multiple Bank Account Splits
You may have set up direct deposit to split between accounts (checking, savings, HSA).
How to check: Review your direct deposit allocation form or ask HR/payroll.
Wage Garnishments
Court-ordered deductions for child support, tax liens, or student loans may not show on paystub.
How to check: Check for separate garnishment notices. These may be deducted after paystub is generated.
Timing Difference
Paystub is generated before some deductions or adjustments are finalized.
How to check: Compare paystub date to deposit date. Some deductions process separately.
Benefit Deductions
Health insurance, 401k catch-up, or other benefits may have changed mid-pay period.
How to check: Review your benefits enrollment. Look for annual limit adjustments.
Payroll Error
Human or system error in calculating your pay or entering deductions.
How to check: Verify hours worked, pay rate, and deductions against your records.
Tax Adjustments
W-4 changes, bonus tax withholding, or year-end adjustments.
How to check: Review if you recently updated W-4 or received bonus/commission.
How to Investigate the Discrepancy
Compare Line by Line
Match each deduction on paystub to your bank deposit calculation
Check All Bank Accounts
Verify if portion went to savings, HSA, or other accounts
Review Recent Changes
Did you change benefits, W-4, or direct deposit allocation?
Check for Garnishments
Review any court orders or notices you may have received
Contact Payroll
If still unexplained, bring your paystub and bank statement to HR/payroll
Example: Tracking Down the Difference
In this example, the $800 difference is explained by direct deposit splits and a garnishment—not an error.
Documents to Gather Before Contacting Payroll
When It's Actually a Payroll Error
Signs of an actual error:
- Discrepancy can't be explained by known splits or garnishments
- Hours or pay rate on paystub are incorrect
- Deductions you didn't authorize appear
- Same discrepancy repeats across multiple pay periods
What to do: Contact HR/payroll in writing. Include specific amounts and dates. Keep copies of all correspondence. If not resolved, file a wage complaint with your state's labor department.
Need Your Own Income Documentation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my direct deposit less than my paystub shows?
The most common reasons are: (1) deposits split between multiple accounts, (2) wage garnishments not shown on paystub, (3) timing differences in deduction processing, (4) benefit deductions that changed, or (5) payroll errors. Compare your paystub's net pay to your actual deposit and investigate any difference.
Can my employer take money from my paycheck without telling me?
Generally, no. Employers must notify you of deductions, and most require written consent except for legally mandated deductions (taxes, garnishments). However, garnishment orders from courts go directly to employers and may not appear on your regular paystub. If you see unexplained deductions, contact HR immediately.
What if I find a payroll error?
Report it to HR or payroll immediately in writing (email creates a paper trail). Provide your paystub and bank statement showing the discrepancy. Employers are required to correct errors promptly. If you were underpaid, you're entitled to the difference. If overpaid, you may need to repay it.
How do wage garnishments affect my direct deposit?
Wage garnishments (for child support, tax debts, student loans, etc.) are deducted from your pay before direct deposit but may not show on your regular paystub. They're calculated based on your disposable earnings after required deductions. You should have received a notice from the court or agency ordering the garnishment.
Why does my paystub show more than I received?
Your paystub shows net pay after visible deductions, but your deposit may be less due to: direct deposit splits to other accounts, garnishments processed separately, or HSA/FSA contributions. Check all your accounts and any garnishment orders.
Can direct deposit be split without my knowledge?
No. You must authorize direct deposit splits. However, court-ordered garnishments don't require your consent. If money is going somewhere you didn't authorize (and it's not a garnishment), this could indicate an error or even fraud—contact your employer and bank immediately.
Should I keep records of paystubs vs deposits?
Yes. Keep paystubs and compare them to bank deposits regularly. Save records for at least 3-4 years. Consistent discrepancies may indicate systematic errors. Having documentation helps if you need to dispute errors or file complaints.
Who do I contact about a payroll discrepancy?
Start with your HR department or payroll administrator. Put your concern in writing (email) with specific amounts and dates. If not resolved, escalate to your manager. For persistent issues or suspected violations, you can file a wage complaint with your state's labor department.
Understand Your Paystub
Knowing how to read your paystub helps you catch errors early. Learn what each section means.
Related Resources
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Generate your own income documentation.