California Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid California wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,495.51 (39.9%)
$2,254.49
Estimated net take-home
Estimates only. PTO payout rights and tax withholding vary by state, employer policy, and individual circumstances. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult your state labor department or a qualified professional. See our methodology.
California 2026 Final Paycheck Regulations
Under California Labor Code Section 201 and 203, final paychecks must be delivered immediately upon involuntary termination (fired or laid off) or within 72 hours of voluntary resignation (unless 72 hours' notice is provided, in which case it is due on the last day). California's minimum wage is set at $16.90 per hour for 2026. Unused accrued vacation and PTO are classified as earned wages under California law and must be paid out in full at separation. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are strictly prohibited. Late payouts trigger waiting time penalties equal to one day of pay for each day late, capped at a maximum of 30 days.
Final pay and PTO in California
California Labor Code Section 201 dictates that when an employee is discharged or laid off, their final wages—including all accrued, unused vacation time under Labor Code Section 227.3—are due immediately. Under Labor Code Section 202, if an employee resigns, final payment is due within 72 hours, or immediately if at least 72 hours' notice was provided. Failure to comply can trigger waiting time penalties under Labor Code Section 203, which are pursued through the California Labor Commissioner's Office.
Your final paycheck combines any regular wages you earned but were not yet paid with your accrued PTO payout where it is owed. Use-it-or-lose-it forfeiture of earned time is not allowed in California, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3 years. This calculator pre-selects California so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: California Labor Code § 227.3) and a full PTO breakdown, see the California PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state. For more details, check out our in-depth article on the California PTO Payout Law.
When is your final paycheck due in California?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Immediately on your last day |
| If you quit | Within 72 hours — or immediately if you gave 72 hours’ notice |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO California requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE). Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official California Wage Claim Resources
If your employer holds your final paycheck or fails to pay you correct wages, you can contact the official state agency to get help:
- Wage Agency: California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE)
- Phone Support: (833) 526-4636
- Official Website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in California? +
If your employment ends in California, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Immediately on your last day. If you quit: Within 72 hours — or immediately if you gave 72 hours’ notice. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in California? +
California treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: California Labor Code § 227.3.
How is my final paycheck taxed in California? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 10.2% California rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in California? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in California is 3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.