How long should I keep my pay stubs?

Store for 1 year: regular statements, pay stubs. Keep either a digital or hard copy of the past year's worth of your monthly bank and credit card statements. You should also hold on to pay stubs so that you can use them to verify the accuracy of your Form W-2 when tax season arrives.

 For instance, some items like ATM receipts can be tossed after a month, while pay stubs and investment account statements should be kept for at least a year, or until you verify accuracy with your W-2.

Get pay stubs from a previous employer

Contact your old supervisor or Human Resources department representative, if applicable, at your previous job. Ask whom you should contact for assistance or what steps you need to take to request copies of old pay stubs or payroll records, as well as the amount of time it will take for completion of the request. If you’re given contact information for payroll or accounting, contact that office and ask for instructions.

 Follow the instructions to begin the process of making your request. Typically, this involves acquiring and filling out a pay stub request form or drafting your request in writing. On the form or in your letter, provide your entire name, current mailing address, previous address if you’ve moved since your previous employment, Social Security number or employee identification number, and dates for the applicable pay periods.

Sign the form or letter and submit it by fax, postal mail, email or in person. If your former employer charges an administrative or records processing fee for this service, pay the fee by check, money order, credit card or debit card as required.

Confirm receipt of your request if you didn’t drop it off in person. If you made the request by fax or email, call the same day to confirm receipt. If you sent your request via postal mail, call within three to five business days.