Pay stubs
Pay stubs for gig workers: when you need them and what to include
Even if you’re paid as a contractor (1099), you may still be asked for “pay stubs” to verify income. Here’s how to handle it responsibly and keep your records clean.
Quick answer
Many landlords, lenders, and verification systems accept pay stubs as a standard proof-of-income format. If you’re a gig worker, your pay stubs should match your real earnings and be consistent with your bank deposits and tax records.
When gig workers are asked for pay stubs
Common situations include:
- Apartment applications: income verification for rent-to-income requirements.
- Auto loans and mortgages: underwriting wants recurring income in a familiar format.
- Benefits and assistance programs: some programs request pay documentation.
- Background or employment checks: a third party may request earnings proof.
What should be on a gig-worker pay stub
A professional pay stub usually includes three areas: who paid, who received, and a breakdown of earnings and deductions. For contractors, it’s especially important to keep it accurate and consistent.
1) Company / payer information
- Business or platform name
- Address and EIN (if applicable)
- Pay period dates + pay date
2) Worker information
- Your name and (optional) worker ID
- Address (optional but often helpful)
- Employment type: Contractor vs Employee
3) Earnings breakdown
- Gross earnings for the period
- Units/hours if relevant (optional)
- Year-to-date totals (helpful for consistency)
4) Taxes and deductions (if you include them)
Contractors typically handle taxes themselves. If you choose to show estimated withholdings, keep them consistent with your filing status and expectations.
- Estimated federal/state withholding (optional)
- FICA (only if you’re an employee — not typical for contractors)
- Net pay (gross minus any shown deductions)
Best practices (avoid headaches later)
Match your deposits and records
Use numbers that line up with real payments you received. If you’re ever asked for bank statements or a 1099, consistency matters.
Use realistic pay periods
Weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly periods are common. Keep the dates consistent and avoid overlapping periods.
Keep copies for your own bookkeeping
Saving PDFs helps with budgeting, tax planning, and documentation for future applications.
Taxes: don’t guess wildly
If you include estimated taxes, choose settings that reflect your situation (filing status, state, and expected rates). When in doubt, leave taxes out and use a tax estimate tool instead.
Create pay stubs with MoreRefund (landscape or portrait)
Our pay stub tool lets you preview watermarked stubs, choose landscape or portrait, and download PDFs after purchase. If you’re using pay stubs for verification, the goal is simple: clean formatting, consistent totals, and clear periods.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal or tax advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, talk to a qualified professional.