Final Paycheck Laws by State
When you let an employee go, your state sets a deadline for their final paycheck, and missing it can trigger penalties. Here's a final-paycheck deadlines by state reference, for both firing and quitting.
Why it matters: a late final paycheck is one of the most common wage claims against small employers. In California, paying late can cost up to 30 days of the employee's wages in penalties.
| State | If fired | If they quit |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Alaska | Within 3 working days | By the next regular payday at least 3 working days after notice |
| Arizona | Within 7 working days or the next payday, whichever is sooner | By the next regular payday |
| Arkansas | By the next regular payday (double wages owed if unpaid 7 days after that payday) | By the next regular payday |
| California | Immediately, at the time of termination | Within 72 hours (immediately if the employee gave 72+ hours notice) |
| Colorado | Immediately if payroll is on-site; within 6 hours of the start of the next workday if the payroll unit isn't operating; within 24 hours if payroll is off-site | By the next regular payday |
| Connecticut | By the next business day | By the next regular payday |
| Delaware* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| District of Columbia* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Florida | No state deadline - by the next regular payday (federal default) | By the next regular payday |
| Georgia | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| Hawaii | Immediately or by the next business day | By the next regular payday (immediately if 1 pay period's notice given) |
| Idaho | By the next regular payday or within 10 days, whichever is sooner (within 48h if requested) | By the next regular payday or within 10 days, whichever is sooner (48h if requested in writing) |
| Illinois | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| Indiana* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Iowa* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Kansas* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Kentucky | By the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later | By the next regular payday or within 14 days, whichever is later |
| Louisiana | By the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier | By the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier |
| Maine | By the next regular payday or within 2 weeks of a demand | By the next regular payday (or within 2 weeks of a demand) |
| Maryland* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Massachusetts | On the day of termination | By the next regular payday |
| Michigan | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| Minnesota | Within 24 hours of the employee's demand | By the next regular payday (if that payday is within 5 days of the last day, employer may delay to the following payday, max 20 days) |
| Mississippi* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Missouri* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Montana | Immediately, unless a written policy extends it - never beyond the next payday or 15 days, whichever is first | By the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first |
| Nebraska* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Nevada | Immediately (or within 3 days) | By the next regular payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner |
| New Hampshire | Within 72 hours | By the next regular payday (within 72 hours if the employee gave at least one pay period's notice) |
| New Jersey* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| New Mexico | Within 5 days (10 days if paid by commission/piece/task) | By the next regular payday |
| New York | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| North Carolina* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| North Dakota* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Ohio | By the next regular payday (no later than 15 days) | By the next regular payday |
| Oklahoma* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Oregon | By the end of the next business day | On the last day worked if 48+ hrs notice given; otherwise within 5 business days or the next payday, whichever is sooner |
| Pennsylvania | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| Rhode Island | By the next regular payday (within 24 hours if the business is liquidating, merging, or moving out of state) | By the next regular payday |
| South Carolina | Within 48 hours or by the next regular payday (not to exceed 30 days) | Within 48 hours or by the next regular payday (max 30 days) |
| South Dakota* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Tennessee* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Texas | Within 6 calendar days | By the next regular payday |
| Utah | Within 24 hours | By the next regular payday |
| Vermont | Within 72 hours | By the next regular payday |
| Virginia* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Washington | By the next regular payday | By the next regular payday |
| West Virginia* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
| Wisconsin | By the next regular payday or within 31 days, whichever is earlier (24 hours only for plant closings/relocations) | By the next regular payday or within 31 days, whichever is earlier |
| Wyoming* | By the next regular payday (confirm your state's specific deadline) | By the next regular payday |
* States marked with an asterisk show the common default rule; confirm the exact deadline with the state labor department.
Employment law changes and has exceptions: confirm your state's current rule with your state labor department (linked from each state guide) before you pay.
Need the letter too? The free Termination Letter Tool builds a state-aware letter and shows your final-pay deadline as you go.
Final paycheck laws: FAQ
When do I have to give a fired employee their final paycheck?
It depends on your state. Some states (California, Colorado, Massachusetts) require the final paycheck immediately or the same day; others allow the next regular payday. See the table below for your state.
Is final-pay timing different if the employee quits?
Yes, in many states. Quitting employees are often due pay on the next regular payday, while fired employees may be owed sooner. Check both columns for your state.
What happens if I pay the final check late?
Some states impose waiting-time penalties: California, for example, can charge up to 30 days of the employee's wages for a late final paycheck. Late final pay is a common and expensive mistake.
Do I have to pay out unused PTO in the final check?
It depends on your state and your written policy. Some states treat accrued vacation as earned wages that must be paid out. Check your state rule and your employee handbook.
These answers are general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules and fees change and vary by state: confirm current requirements with the relevant government agency and, for your situation, a licensed professional.