Pay Stub Red Flag Checker
Tell us what looks off and we will explain what it could mean — and the right next step.
Written and reviewed by Rocco Clayfield, Founder & DirectorLast reviewed
Short answer
Select what looks wrong on your Canadian pay stub and the checker explains what it could mean, what to check, a question to ask payroll, and whether your province’s employment standards office or the CRA may be the right place to go next. A flag is a prompt to ask, not proof of an error.
Pick the closest match below. Add your province for more relevant guidance on wage rules that vary across Canada.
Check your pay stub for red flags
Choose what looks off to see what it could mean and what to check next.
FAQs
Does a red flag mean my employer did something wrong?
No. A flag points you to a sensible question to ask. Many flags have a normal explanation once payroll clarifies how a line was calculated.
Can it tell me if I am owed money?
It cannot confirm that. It explains what a result could mean and where to get an official answer — payroll first, then the CRA, Revenu Québec or your provincial employment standards office if needed.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. It is educational guidance to help you ask better questions about your own pay.
Related guides & checkers
Official sources for this page
Every figure here is derived from these. Where a number matters to you, read it at the source — PayStub IQ Canada explains the rules, it does not set them.
- Guide T4127, Payroll Deductions Formulas — Canada Revenue Agency
- CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions — Canada Revenue Agency
- EI premium rates and maximums — Canada Revenue Agency
- QPP maximum pensionable earnings and contribution rate — Revenu Québec
- QPIP premium rates and maximum insurable earnings — Quebec Parental Insurance Plan
- Payroll Deductions Online Calculator — Canada Revenue Agency
Helpful guidance, not advice
PayStub IQ Canada provides educational payroll explanations based on the information visible in your document. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, payroll, CRA, Revenu Québec, or employment standards advice. For official decisions or corrections, contact your employer, payroll department, CRA, Revenu Québec, your provincial or territorial employment standards office, or a qualified professional.