North Carolina Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid North Carolina wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,308.76 (34.9%)
$2,441.24
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 North Carolina
Under the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 95-25.7), final wages for employees who quit or are discharged must be paid on or before the next regularly scheduled payday. Failure to pay wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation that can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau. If final pay is withheld, employees can recover unpaid wages, interest, and liquidated damages 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 North Carolina, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects North Carolina so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.12) and a full PTO breakdown, see the North Carolina PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official North Carolina 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: North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau
- Phone Support: (800) 625-2267
- Official Website: https://www.labor.nc.gov/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in North Carolina? +
If your employment ends in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina? +
In North Carolina, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.12.
How is my final paycheck taxed in North Carolina? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 5.3% North Carolina rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in North Carolina? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in North Carolina is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.