Breakdown of wages offers hollow tribute when service is deducted (7)
I believe the answer is:
payslip
'breakdown of wages' is the definition.
(a payslip shows a person's wages)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
(Other definitions for payslip that I've seen before include "Record of wages earned" , "note from employer" , "Monthly advice for employee" , "Piece of paper accompanying remittance" , "Detachable form accompanying cheque" .)