West Virginia Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid West Virginia wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,355.63 (36.2%)
$2,394.37
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 West Virginia
Under the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act (W. Va. Code Section 21-5-4), employers must pay final wages to departing employees on or before the next regularly scheduled payday, regardless of whether they resigned or were discharged. Failure to pay final wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation that can be filed with the West Virginia 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 laws.
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 not allowed in West Virginia, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 5 years. This calculator pre-selects West Virginia so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: W. Va. Code § 21-5-4) and a full PTO breakdown, see the West Virginia PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in West Virginia?
| 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 West Virginia requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the West Virginia Division of Labor. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official West Virginia 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: West Virginia Division of Labor
- Phone Support: (304) 558-7890
- Official Website: https://labor.wv.gov/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in West Virginia? +
If your employment ends in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia? +
West Virginia treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: W. Va. Code § 21-5-4.
How is my final paycheck taxed in West Virginia? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 6.5% West Virginia rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in West Virginia? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in West Virginia is 5 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.