Tennessee PTO Cash-Out Calculator
See the net value of cashing out unused PTO in Tennessee after federal, state, and FICA tax.
$2,500.00
Gross payout before taxes
Est. taxes: ~$741.25 (29.7%)
$1,758.75
Estimated 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.
Cashing out PTO in Tennessee
A Tennessee cash-out pays your hourly rate for each unused PTO hour while you stay employed. Because it is a supplemental wage, withholding is 22% federal, no state income tax, and 7.65% FICA — so your take-home is noticeably less than the gross. Whether a cash-out is offered at all is set by your employer's policy.
Leaving instead of cashing out? See your full payout and the law on the Tennessee PTO payout guide, run the numbers in the free PTO payout calculator, or weigh keeping the time with the rollover calculator.
Should you cash out PTO in Tennessee?
Because Tennessee has no law requiring PTO payout at separation, unused time can be lost when you leave if your policy doesn’t pay it out. A mid-employment cash-out (where your employer offers one) is often the main way to realize its value first. Use-it-or-lose-it is allowed in Tennessee.
Active employees who cash out vacation hours in Tennessee do so under the terms of their employer's handbook, as there are no state laws governing mid-employment cash-out programs. Cash-out payouts are supplemental wages subject to 22% federal tax withholding and FICA, with zero state-level income tax withheld in Tennessee.
Official Tennessee Wage Claim Resources
If you are denied your legal PTO payout or have wage disputes under state labor codes, you can contact the official agency below:
- Wage Agency: Tennessee Division of Labor Standards
- Phone Support: (844) 224-5818
- Official Website: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/
Frequently asked questions
How much is a PTO cash-out worth after tax in Tennessee? +
A cash-out is a supplemental wage: 22% flat federal withholding, no state income tax, and 7.65% FICA. Enter your rate and hours above to see the Tennessee net.
Can I cash out PTO while employed in Tennessee? +
Cashing out PTO while still employed depends on your employer's policy, not Tennessee law — no state requires in-employment cash-out. Check your handbook for whether and when it is allowed.
Is a Tennessee cash-out taxed differently from a payout when I leave? +
No. Both are supplemental wages with the same withholding: 22% federal, no state income tax, and FICA. The difference is timing, not tax treatment.