{ "name": "Final paycheck deadlines by US state \u2014 how long an employer has to pay a departing employee's last wages, quoted from the state's own labor law", "description": "Every state sets its own deadline for paying a departing employee's final wages, and most states set two different deadlines depending on whether the employee was fired (often immediate or within days) or quit voluntarily (often the next scheduled payday). Several states also set a specific penalty for a late final paycheck \u2014 California's waiting-time penalty continues the employee's daily wage for up to 30 days; Massachusetts mandates treble damages. Existing 50-state charts are maintained by payroll vendors as marketing content and, with one exception, do not cite or link the state's own statute per row \u2014 a comparison chart that cannot be checked against its own source. Each record is one state, with the deadline for an involuntary termination, the deadline for a voluntary quit where it differs, any stated penalty for late payment, and the statute or agency page it comes from, each backed by a verbatim quote. Answers 'how long does my employer have to give me my last paycheck in [state]' and 'what happens if my final paycheck is late'.", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/", "licence": "unknown", "last_verified": "2026-08-31", "stale_after": "2027-08-31", "sources": [ "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/23/00353.htm", "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_paydays.htm", "https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/colorado_wage_act_revised_august_6,_2025_for_posting.pdf", "https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/INFO%20%233A%20Timing%20of%20Wage%20Payments,%20&%20Required%20Record-Keeping%2007.11.2023%20accessible.pdf", "https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/INFO%20%232B%20Orders%20of%20Wages,%20Penalties,%20Fines,%20and%20Consequences%20for%20Non-Compliance%2008.01.2023%20accessible.pdf", "https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/wage-payment-faq.html", "https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/wpca-penalties.html", "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-wages", "https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/employment-practices/employment-termination", "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html", "https://labor.nv.gov/About/Frequently_Asked_Questions/Frequently_Asked_Questions_-_About_Us/", "https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/tools-resources/laws/selectedstatelaborlaws.shtml", "https://dol.ny.gov/frequency-pay-faq", "https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/paychecks.aspx", "https://efte.twc.texas.gov/final_pay.html", "https://efte.twc.texas.gov/final_pay_severance_benefits.html", "https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/utah-antidiscrimination-and-labor-uald/wage-claim/", "https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/getting-paid/", "https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/wages.htm" ], "records": [ { "jurisdiction": "Arizona", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "within seven working days or the end of the next regular pay period, whichever is sooner", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "no later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the termination occurred", "late_payment_penalty": "guilty of a petty offense", "statute_citation": "23-353", "id": "arizona", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/arizona/", "source": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/23/00353.htm", "source_quote": "When an employee is discharged from the service of an employer, he shall be paid wages due him within seven working days or the end of the next regular pay period, whichever is sooner.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "California", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "immediately at the time of termination", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "within 72 hours of quitting", "late_payment_penalty": "an amount equal to the employee's daily rate of pay for each day the wages remain unpaid, up to a maximum of thirty (30) calendar days", "statute_citation": "Labor Code Sections 201 and 227.3", "id": "california", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/california/", "source": "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_paydays.htm", "source_quote": "An employee who is discharged must be paid all of his or her wages, including accrued vacation, immediately at the time of termination. Labor Code Sections 201 and 227.3", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Colorado", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "due and payable immediately", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "due and payable upon the next regular payday", "late_payment_penalty": "for non-willful violations, the penalty is double the wages owed or $1,000 (whichever is greater)", "statute_citation": "8-4-109", "id": "colorado", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/colorado/", "source": "https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/colorado_wage_act_revised_august_6,_2025_for_posting.pdf", "source_quote": "When an interruption in the employer-employee relationship by volition of the employer occurs, the wages or compensation for labor or service earned, vested, determinable, and unpaid at the time of such discharge is due and payable immediately.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Illinois", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "in full at the time of separation, if possible, but in no event later than the next regularly scheduled payday", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "in full at the time of separation, if possible, but in no event later than the next regularly scheduled payday", "late_payment_penalty": "damages equal to 5% of the underpayment, per month (calculated from the date of the underpayment) for each month during which wages or final compensation remain unpaid", "statute_citation": "820 ILCS 115 /5", "id": "illinois", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/illinois/", "source": "https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/wage-payment-faq.html", "source_quote": "When an employee leaves an employer's employment, the employer is required to pay the final compensation of separated employees in full at the time of separation, if possible, but in no event later than the next regularly scheduled payday for such employee.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Massachusetts", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "paid in full on the day of his discharge", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "paid in full on the following regular pay day, and, in the absence of a regular pay day, on the following Saturday", "late_payment_penalty": "mandatory triple damages for weekly wage law violations as well as court costs and attorneys' fees", "statute_citation": "MGL c. 149, \u00a7 148", "id": "massachusetts", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/massachusetts/", "source": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-wages", "source_quote": "\u201cany employee [voluntarily] leaving his employment shall be paid in full on the following regular pay day, and, in the absence of a regular pay day, on the following Saturday; and any employee discharged [or terminated] from such employment shall be paid in full on the day of his discharge...\u201d", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Minnesota", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "within 24 hours of the employee's demand for wages", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "on the next pay period that is more than five days after quitting. However, wages must be paid within 20 days of separation", "statute_citation": "Minnesota Statutes 181.13", "id": "minnesota", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/minnesota/", "source": "https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/employment-practices/employment-termination", "source_quote": "A terminated employee's paycheck must be paid within 24 hours of the employee's demand for wages (see Minnesota Statutes 181.13 ).", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Nevada", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "due and payable immediately", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "within 7 days or by the next regular pay day, whichever is earlier", "late_payment_penalty": "the wages or compensation of the employee continues at the same rate from the day the employee resigned, quit or was discharged or placed on nonworking status until paid or for 30 days, whichever is less", "statute_citation": "NRS 608.020", "id": "nevada", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/nevada/", "source": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html", "source_quote": "Whenever an employer discharges an employee, the wages and compensation earned and unpaid at the time of such discharge shall become due and payable immediately.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "New Jersey", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "not later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the employee's termination, suspension or cessation of employment (whether temporary or permanent) took place", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "not later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the employee's termination, suspension or cessation of employment (whether temporary or permanent) took place", "statute_citation": "34:11-4.3", "id": "new-jersey", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/new-jersey/", "source": "https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/tools-resources/laws/selectedstatelaborlaws.shtml", "source_quote": "Whenever an employer discharges an employee, or when the work of an employee is suspended as a result of a labor dispute, or when an employee for any reason whatsoever is laid off, or whenever an employee quits, resigns, or leaves employment for any reason, the employer shall pay the employee all wages due not later than the regular payday for the pay period during which the employee's termination, suspension or cessation of employment (whether temporary or permanent) took place, as established in accordance with section 2 of this act", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "New York", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "no later than the pay day on which their next pay would have been due had they still been employed", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "no later than the pay day on which their next pay would have been due had they still been employed", "statute_citation": "Labor Law Section 191", "id": "new-york", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/new-york/", "source": "https://dol.ny.gov/frequency-pay-faq", "source_quote": "Employees whose employment has ended are entitled to be paid no later than the pay day on which their next pay would have been due had they still been employed.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Oregon", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "by the end of the next business day", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "within five business days or on the next regular payday, whichever comes first", "late_payment_penalty": "a penalty wage equal to eight times the employee\u2019s regular rate of wage for each day that final wages go unpaid up to 30 days", "statute_citation": "ORS 652.110, ORS 652.120, ORS 652.140, ORS 652.150", "id": "oregon", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/oregon/", "source": "https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/paychecks.aspx", "source_quote": "If you are let go or fired, your final paycheck is due by the end of the next business day.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Texas", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "within six (6) calendar days of discharge", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "the next regularly-scheduled payday following the effective date of resignation", "statute_citation": "Texas Payday Law", "id": "texas", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/texas/", "source": "https://efte.twc.texas.gov/final_pay.html", "source_quote": "If an employee is laid off, discharged, fired, or otherwise involuntarily separated from employment, the final pay is due within six (6) calendar days of discharge.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Utah", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "all wages are due immediately and payable within 24 hours of separation", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "the wages become due and payable on the next regular payday", "statute_citation": "Payment of Wages Act, Utah Code Ann. \u00a734-28-1 et-seq.", "id": "utah", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/utah/", "source": "https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/utah-antidiscrimination-and-labor-uald/wage-claim/", "source_quote": "If the employee is separated by the employer, all wages are due immediately and payable within 24 hours of separation.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "statute_citation" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Washington", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "on or before the next regularly scheduled payday", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "on or before the next regularly scheduled payday", "id": "washington", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/washington/", "source": "https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/getting-paid/", "source_quote": "If an employee quits or is fired, their final paycheck must be paid on or before the next regularly scheduled payday.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction" ] }, { "jurisdiction": "Wisconsin", "involuntary_termination_deadline": "in accordance with the employer's regular pay schedule", "voluntary_quit_deadline": "in accordance with the employer's regular pay schedule", "late_payment_penalty": "increased wages of up to 100% of the wages due per Section 109.11, Stats.", "statute_citation": "Chapter 109, Wis. Stats.", "id": "wisconsin", "url": "https://referencesource.org/final-paycheck-deadlines-by-state/wisconsin/", "source": "https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/wages.htm", "source_quote": "If you leave employment for any reason, you must be paid in accordance with the employer's regular pay schedule.", "verified_fields": [ "involuntary_termination_deadline", "voluntary_quit_deadline" ], "derived_fields": [ "jurisdiction", "late_payment_penalty", "statute_citation" ] } ] }