California Final Paycheck Laws
Calculate when final wages are due under California law. Enter the termination details below.
Final Paycheck Deadline Calculator
Find out exactly when the final paycheck is due based on state law.
California Law
IMMEDIATELY upon termination (same day, at the place of discharge)
California has the strictest final pay requirements in the nation. 'Immediately' means the same day, at the time of termination. WAITING TIME PENALTIES: If final wages are late, employer owes employee's daily wage rate for each day late, up to 30 days maximum. This can add up to a full month's wages as penalty! Accrued, unused vacation must also be paid out at final rate. Multi-location employers: final check must be available at termination site or mailed if employee agrees.
California treats vacation as earned wages. 'Use-it-or-lose-it' policies are ILLEGAL. Reasonable accrual caps are permitted (e.g., accrual stops at 1.5x annual rate until used). PTO that combines vacation and sick time is treated as vacation and must be paid out. Sick leave alone (separate from PTO) does NOT need to be paid out.
⚠️Penalty Estimator
One day's wages for each day late (capped at 30 days of wages)
No penalty yet - deadline has not passed.
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California Final Paycheck Requirements
| Scenario | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Employee is fired or laid off | IMMEDIATELY upon termination (same day, at the place of discharge) |
| Employee quits with notice | Within 72 hours if employee quits without notice; IMMEDIATELY if employee gives 72 hours advance notice |
| Employee quits without notice | Within 72 hours if employee quits without notice; IMMEDIATELY if employee gives 72 hours advance notice |
| PTO/Vacation payout required? | Yes |
⚠️ Late Payment Penalties
One day's wages for each day late
Maximum: 30 days of wages
PTO/Vacation Payout
California treats vacation as earned wages. 'Use-it-or-lose-it' policies are ILLEGAL. Reasonable accrual caps are permitted (e.g., accrual stops at 1.5x annual rate until used). PTO that combines vacation and sick time is treated as vacation and must be paid out. Sick leave alone (separate from PTO) does NOT need to be paid out.
Additional Notes
California has the strictest final pay requirements in the nation. 'Immediately' means the same day, at the time of termination. WAITING TIME PENALTIES: If final wages are late, employer owes employee's daily wage rate for each day late, up to 30 days maximum. This can add up to a full month's wages as penalty! Accrued, unused vacation must also be paid out at final rate. Multi-location employers: final check must be available at termination site or mailed if employee agrees.
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