With the year coming to a close soon, this is a good time to double-check your paycheck to make sure all the information is correct. When was the last time you looked to see if your federal and state withholdings were correct? Are your deductions for benefits right?

Payroll errors such as underpayments or overpayments happen more often than you might think, according to Sam Kerch, senior tax research analyst for Symmetry Software, which operates a Web site with free paycheck calculators.

“It’s distressing how many people rip off the stub and then just deposit their check and forget about what’s on it,” Kerch said. “There can be all kinds of errors.”

Consider military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. One Government Accountability Office report found that 95 percent of deployed reservists had experienced pay problems while serving overseas and upon their return – and that it took more than a year for many of these soldiers to straighten out their paychecks.

So what should you do? Kerch recommends these tips to ensure that your paycheck is accurate:

l Don’t just look at the bottom line. Pay attention to more than just your net pay – you know, that pitiful amount you complain about getting every pay period. Make sure any deductions that are pre-taxed, such as contributions to a 401(k) plan, are actually taken out pre-taxed.

l Report a payroll error right away. Most employers will cut an additional check as soon as an underpayment error is revealed.

l Don’t tell everybody about the error. If you discover a paycheck mistake, don’t disclose it to your co-workers. Take the matter up with the payroll department. In many companies, such public disclosure can violate employment policies and lead to discipline or even dismissal.

l Keep your pay information current. Whenever you have a change in your life – a marriage, divorce or birth of a child – be sure to update your W-4 form.

To make it easier, you might want to use Symmetry Software’s free paycheck calculator at www.paycheckcity.com. And no, your personal and private information is not captured, Kerch assures.