Wisconsin Final Paycheck Law & Calculator
Add your unpaid Wisconsin wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
$3,750.00
Gross final paycheck
Est. taxes: ~$1,398.76 (37.3%)
$2,351.24
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 Wisconsin
Under the Wisconsin Wage Payments, Claims and Collections Act (Wis. Stat. Section 109.03), final wages for employees who quit or are discharged must be paid on or before the next regularly scheduled payday or within one month, whichever is sooner, provided that payday occurs within one month of the separation date. Failure to pay wages on time constitutes a wage payment violation that can be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division. 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 allowed in Wisconsin, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects Wisconsin so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Wis. Stat. § 109.03) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Wisconsin PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Wisconsin?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next payday or within 1 month, whichever is earlier (within 24 hours if due to a merger, relocation, or liquidation) |
| If you quit | Next payday |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Wisconsin requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Official Wisconsin 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: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division
- Phone Support: (608) 266-3131
- Official Website: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Wisconsin? +
If your employment ends in Wisconsin, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next payday or within 1 month, whichever is earlier (within 24 hours if due to a merger, relocation, or liquidation). If you quit: Next payday. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Wisconsin? +
In Wisconsin, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: Wis. Stat. § 109.03.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Wisconsin? +
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 7.6% Wisconsin rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Wisconsin? +
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Wisconsin is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.