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Understand every line on your payslip
A plain-English explanation of your payslip, what each deduction is for, and a short list of questions to ask payroll if something looks off.
When to use it
When you start a new job or your pay changes
Step by step
Photograph or download your payslip
Take a clear photo or download the PDF from your employer's payroll portal.
Cover personal identifiers
Blur or crop out your name, employee number, National Insurance or tax ID number and bank details before sharing.
Ask for an explanation
Attach the payslip to your AI assistant and use this prompt.
Prompt to copyThis is my payslip from [country]. Explain every line in plain English: what it is, why it's taken, and whether it's a standard deduction. Show how gross pay becomes net pay step by step. Point out anything unusual, such as a tax code that looks like an emergency code, a pay rate that doesn't match [my agreed salary or hourly rate], or a deduction I may not recognise. Finish with up to 5 questions I could ask payroll. Don't give me tax advice, just explain.Check anything flagged
If the AI spots something odd, confirm it with your payroll team or your country's official tax website rather than relying on the AI's answer.
What you get
Gross pay £2,500. Income tax £291 (based on your tax code). National Insurance £158. Pension 5% £105 (your workplace pension). Student loan £62. Net £1,884. Worth asking: your tax code ends in W1/M1, which is often temporary. Is this correct?
Tips
- Tax rules vary by country and change often. Use the AI to understand, and your payroll team or official tax service to confirm.
- Keep a folder of payslips. They're useful for mortgages, rentals and tax queries.