Yes, you can make your own pay stubs, but their usefulness may vary depending on where you live. Some states allow self-produced pay stubs without needing business licenses or other information. Unfortunately, even if it is legal in your state — which it likely is — if you need a pay stub to prove income for a bank loan or another type of loan, DIY stubs may not be enough.

No, a paycheck and pay stub are two different documents, but they are sometimes attached. A pay stub provides much more detail about an employee's pay, including wages earned and year-to-date payroll information. PDFSimpli can help you create a pay stub with all legally required information. Stubs can help with tax records and personal accounting.

Yes, it is possible to show proof of income without a pay stub. You can use your federal income tax returns to prove your annual income; the document is likely the most credible proof of an individual's income. Having your federal tax return and corresponding pay stubs can help substantiate tax proof of income claims.