California final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid California wages and accrued PTO to estimate your last-day total after tax.
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 California
California treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. All accrued vacation is earned wages in California. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are illegal and unused PTO must be paid at the final rate of pay upon separation.
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 California, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3 years. This calculator pre-selects California so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: California Labor Code § 227.3) and a full PTO breakdown, see the California PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in California?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Immediately on your last day |
| If you quit | Within 72 hours — or immediately if you gave 72 hours’ notice |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO California requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE). Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in California?
If your employment ends in California, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Immediately on your last day. If you quit: Within 72 hours — or immediately if you gave 72 hours’ notice. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in California?
California treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: California Labor Code § 227.3.
How is my final paycheck taxed in California?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 10.2% California rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in California?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in California is 3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.