An electron, like a proton is a charged particle, although opposite in sign, but unlike a proton, an electron has negligible atomic mass. Electrons contribute no atomic mass units to the total atomic weight of an atom. Neutral atoms have the same number of protons and electrons. Since the charge of these two particles are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign, the charge of a neutral atom is zero. When an atom gives up or takes on an electron, the positive and negative charges are no longer balanced.
Extra electrons give an ion a negative charge.
Fewer electrons give an ion a positive charge. Adding neutrons to atoms does not affect charge, but it will affect atomic mass. This is why atomic mass is not reported as a whole number on the periodic table. Elements exist as a group of different isotopes. A neutron, like a proton, contributes one atomic mass unit to the total atomic weight of an atom.