Enter your details — get your legal deadline instantly.
Most states pay faster when you're fired — the distinction matters.
Final paycheck deadlines vary by state and whether you were fired or quit — some states require payment the same day, others give employers up to three weeks. Enter your details below and we'll calculate your exact legal deadline based on your state's labor law.
Most states impose penalties on employers who fail to pay on time. California pays your daily wage for each day late, up to 30 days. Massachusetts allows triple damages. Louisiana can award up to 90 days of wages. File a wage claim with your state labor board — it's free and most employers respond quickly.
Generally no. Employers cannot withhold a final paycheck because you didn't return equipment, didn't give notice, or owe a debt — unless you signed a specific written agreement. The paycheck must be paid in full on time; any deductions must be handled separately.
It depends on your state. California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, and DC treat accrued PTO as earned wages that must be paid out. Other states defer to company policy. Check your state result above — it notes whether PTO payout is required.
Final paycheck laws apply to employees (W-2). Independent contractors are governed by contract law. If you believe you were misclassified, contact your state labor board — misclassification is a serious violation with significant penalties for employers.
Contact your state labor commissioner or department of labor — most have online filing. Gather: pay stubs, offer letter, termination paperwork, and any written communication about your final check. Claims are typically free, and many states let you recover attorney fees if you win.
First, send a written request to your employer stating your last day, the wages owed, and your state's legal deadline (use the calculator above to find it). If they still don't pay, file a wage claim with your state labor agency — it's free, doesn't require a lawyer, and in most states penalties and interest keep adding up the longer the employer delays. Save your pay stubs, schedule or time records, and any texts or emails about your pay.
In most states, no. Your earned wages and the return of company property (laptop, uniform, keys) are treated as two separate matters — the employer generally must pay your final wages in full and on time, then pursue any unreturned equipment separately. Only a few states allow a deduction, and only if you signed a written authorization in advance. If your check is being held or docked, that is often itself a violation you can report in a wage claim.
Your final pay stub shows year-to-date earnings and withholding, so it's useful for estimating — but you should file with your W-2, not the stub. Employers must send your W-2 by January 31 for the prior year. If you haven't received it by mid-February, contact your employer; if it still doesn't arrive, the IRS lets you file using Form 4852 as a substitute. This is general information, not tax advice.
Deadline rules are drawn directly from each state's labor statutes and verified against Nolo and Gusto. The table covers all 50 states and Washington DC and is reviewed quarterly. Where a state's rule depends on pay frequency (e.g., "next regular payday"), we use the schedule you provide to compute an exact calendar date. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice — if you have a dispute with your employer, contact your state labor board or an employment attorney.