Year-to-date (YTD) in a payslip refers to the amount of money spent on payroll from the beginning of the year (calendar or fiscal) up to the current payroll date. YTD is calculated based on employees gross incomes, which is the amount an employee earns before taxes and deductions are taken out. YTD can also include the money paid to independent contractors. For employees, YTD payroll represents their gross income, while for a business, YTD represents the overall earnings all employees earned. YTD includes payments paid in this current fiscal or calendar year, but not necessarily received this year.

YTD in a payslip is important because it gives an easy way to compare employee payroll expenses to the overall annual budget for those costs. By having the two side-by-side, it is possible to determine the amount paid for payroll versus the total business expenses. YTD is also important for filling out employee Form W-2s. Employees can see their YTD payroll earnings on their pay stubs.