How can paystubs be wrong? Human or computer error?

Question

Once I got a pay with a ridiculously low number of 3rd shift hours when I only work night shift.

Also, I earned 2553.95 and got taxed 191.94 and then the next pay stub, I earned 2600.89 and got taxed a whopping 641.37. I ended up with a 500 dollar difference in pay due to being taxed and deducted.

Please help me understand this huge difference in pay when I initially earned more!

Answer 1

The first thing you need to do is ask to speak with someone in the payroll department.  They might not have done the taxes correctly on your first paycheck with the low withholding and recouped it on the next without telling you.  

They should be able to explain it to you to your satisfaction.  If not, go over that persons head for someone else to explain it.  After all, it is your money.  You worked for it and should be correctly compensated for it.

Answer 2

It's usually best to start with the payroll department as suggested above.

They should be helpful as long as you aren't asking them a lot of questions!

Answer 3

You need to have your pay clerk explain it.