Iowa Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid Iowa wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,261.13 (33.6%)
$2,488.87
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.
Final pay and PTO in Iowa
Under the Iowa Wage Payment Collection Law (Iowa Code Section 91A.4), employers must pay final wages to departing employees on or before the next regularly scheduled payday, regardless of whether the employee resigned or was discharged. Failure to pay final wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation that can be filed with the Iowa Division of Labor. Late wage payments can trigger administrative penalties, statutory interest, and liquidated damages of up to double the unpaid wages under state labor regulations.
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 allowed in Iowa, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects Iowa so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Iowa Code § 91A) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Iowa PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Iowa?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Iowa requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Iowa Division of Labor. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official Iowa 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: Iowa Division of Labor
- Phone Support: (515) 242-5870
- Official Website: https://www.iowadivisionoflabor.gov/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Iowa? +
If your employment ends in Iowa, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next scheduled payday. If you quit: Next scheduled payday. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Iowa? +
In Iowa, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: Iowa Code § 91A.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Iowa? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 4.0% Iowa rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Iowa? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Iowa is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.