New Jersey Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid New Jersey wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,350.76 (36.0%)
$2,399.24
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 New Jersey
Under the New Jersey State Wage Payment Law (N.J.S.A. Section 34:11-4.3), employers must pay final wages to departing employees on or before the next regularly scheduled payday, regardless of whether they quit or were discharged. Failure to pay wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation under state law, and claims can be submitted to the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance within the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Late wage payments can trigger administrative fees, statutory interest, and liquidated damages under state wage recovery guidelines.
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 New Jersey, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects New Jersey so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: N.J. Stat. § 34:11-4.3) and a full PTO breakdown, see the New Jersey PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in New Jersey?
| 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 New Jersey requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the New Jersey Division of Wage and Hour Compliance. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official New Jersey 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: New Jersey Division of Wage and Hour Compliance
- Phone Support: (609) 292-2337
- Official Website: https://www.nj.gov/labor/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in New Jersey? +
If your employment ends in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey? +
In New Jersey, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: N.J. Stat. § 34:11-4.3.
How is my final paycheck taxed in New Jersey? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 6.4% New Jersey rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in New Jersey? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in New Jersey is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.