Pay stubs when you’re self-employed
Most self-employed people don’t have pay stubs, because nobody runs payroll for them: a sole proprietor’s income is business profit, not wages. The exception is an owner who pays themselves a salary through their own corporation’s payroll, for example as an S corporation officer. Those wages get pay stubs like any employee’s.
If you pay yourself through payroll
The IRS says an S corporation must treat payments to an officer as wages to the extent they are reasonable compensation for services, and those wages are subject to employment taxes. If your company runs payroll for you, each paycheck is real wages, and PayDocs can lay out the pay stub from your payroll figures.
If you’re a sole proprietor or freelancer
You don’t pay yourself wages, so there is no payroll to document. What you earn shows up in invoices, client payments and your tax return. A pay stub made for yourself would not describe a real payroll payment, and PayDocs isn’t for that.
If you need to show your income
A PayDocs document is not proof of income, and nobody should present it as one. If a lender or landlord asks for proof of self-employed income, ask them which documents they accept.
Questions
Can I use PayDocs for my own salary from my LLC or corporation?
Yes, if your company actually runs payroll and pays you wages. Enter the figures from that payroll. If you take owner’s draws or distributions instead, those aren’t wages and don’t belong on a pay stub.
Sources
- IRS — S corporation compensation and medical insurance issues
- IRS — Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee?
Official sources checked September 23, 2026. This guide explains how pay documents work; it is not tax or legal advice.
Paid a salary through your company? Make your pay stub
Free to create and preview. No account or card.