South Carolina Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid South Carolina wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,307.26 (34.9%)
$2,442.74
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 South Carolina
Under the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act (S.C. Code Section 41-10-40), employers must pay final wages within 48 hours of separation or on the next regular payday, whichever comes first, but in no event more than 30 days after separation — regardless of whether the employee quit or was discharged. Failure to pay wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation that can be filed with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Late wage payments can trigger administrative penalties, statutory interest, and treble damages (triple the unpaid amount) for willful withholding under state labor law.
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 South Carolina, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3 years. This calculator pre-selects South Carolina so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: S.C. Code § 41-10-10) and a full PTO breakdown, see the South Carolina PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in South Carolina?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Within 48 hours or the next scheduled payday, but no more than 30 days |
| If you quit | Within 48 hours or the next scheduled payday, but no more than 30 days |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO South 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 South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official South 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: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
- Phone Support: (803) 896-4300
- Official Website: https://llr.sc.gov/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in South Carolina? +
If your employment ends in South Carolina, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Within 48 hours or the next scheduled payday, but no more than 30 days. If you quit: Within 48 hours or the next scheduled payday, but no more than 30 days. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in South Carolina? +
In South Carolina, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: S.C. Code § 41-10-10.
How is my final paycheck taxed in South 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 5.2% South Carolina rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in South Carolina? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in South Carolina is 3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.