Colorado Final Paycheck Laws
Calculate when final wages are due under Colorado law. Enter the termination details below.
Final Paycheck Deadline Calculator
Find out exactly when the final paycheck is due based on state law.
Colorado Law
Immediately upon discharge/termination
Colorado has strict final pay requirements. When an employer terminates an employee (for any reason), wages are due IMMEDIATELY. Failure to pay immediately can result in penalties of up to 125% of unpaid wages plus attorney fees. For resignation with 72+ hours notice, wages due at separation; less than 72 hours notice, next payday.
Unlike many states, Colorado considers accrued vacation as earned compensation that must be paid out upon separation regardless of the reason for termination. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are not permitted for vacation time. Employers cannot forfeit accrued vacation. This applies to vacation/PTO; sick leave payout follows Healthy Families Workplaces Act rules.
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Colorado Final Paycheck Requirements
| Scenario | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Employee is fired or laid off | Immediately upon discharge/termination |
| Employee quits with notice | Next regular payday |
| Employee quits without notice | Next regular payday |
| PTO/Vacation payout required? | Yes |
Penalties
Colorado does not have specific statutory penalties for late final paychecks. However, employees may still file wage claims and employers could face other consequences.
PTO/Vacation Payout
Unlike many states, Colorado considers accrued vacation as earned compensation that must be paid out upon separation regardless of the reason for termination. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are not permitted for vacation time. Employers cannot forfeit accrued vacation. This applies to vacation/PTO; sick leave payout follows Healthy Families Workplaces Act rules.
Additional Notes
Colorado has strict final pay requirements. When an employer terminates an employee (for any reason), wages are due IMMEDIATELY. Failure to pay immediately can result in penalties of up to 125% of unpaid wages plus attorney fees. For resignation with 72+ hours notice, wages due at separation; less than 72 hours notice, next payday.
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