Tennessee Final Paycheck Laws
Calculate when final wages are due under Tennessee law. Enter the termination details below.
Final Paycheck Deadline Calculator
Find out exactly when the final paycheck is due based on state law.
Tennessee Law
Next regular payday or within 21 days, whichever is sooner
Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. 50-2-103) requires final wages to be paid by the next regular payday or within 21 days of separation, whichever occurs first. This applies regardless of whether the separation was voluntary or involuntary.
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Tennessee Final Paycheck Requirements
| Scenario | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Employee is fired or laid off | Next regular payday or within 21 days, whichever is sooner |
| Employee quits with notice | Next regular payday or within 21 days, whichever is sooner |
| Employee quits without notice | Next regular payday or within 21 days, whichever is sooner |
| PTO/Vacation payout required? | No / depends on policy |
Penalties
Tennessee 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
Tennessee does not require employers to pay out accrued vacation upon termination. However, if your written policy or employment contract promises payout, you must honor that commitment. Be careful about policy language that creates an obligation.
Additional Notes
Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. 50-2-103) requires final wages to be paid by the next regular payday or within 21 days of separation, whichever occurs first. This applies regardless of whether the separation was voluntary or involuntary.
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