California PTO cash-out calculator.
See the net value of cashing out unused PTO in California after federal, state, and FICA tax.
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Gross payout before taxes
Select a state to see your net take-home estimate
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 California
A California 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, an estimated 10.2% California supplemental rate, 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 California 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 California?
Because California treats accrued vacation as earned wages, you don’t have to cash out early to get your money — unused PTO must be paid when you leave the job. Cashing out now mainly helps if you want the cash sooner, since the tax is identical either way. Use-it-or-lose-it forfeiture of earned time is not allowed in California.
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. If a cash-out or payout you are owed is not paid, you have 3 years to file an unpaid-wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE) (reference: California Labor Code § 227.3). Confirm the current filing process before you file.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a PTO cash-out worth after tax in California?
A cash-out is a supplemental wage: 22% flat federal withholding, an estimated 10.2% California supplemental rate, and 7.65% FICA. Enter your rate and hours above to see the California net.
Can I cash out PTO while employed in California?
Cashing out PTO while still employed depends on your employer's policy, not California law — no state requires in-employment cash-out. Check your handbook for whether and when it is allowed.
Is a California cash-out taxed differently from a payout when I leave?
No. Both are supplemental wages with the same withholding: 22% federal, an estimated 10.2% California supplemental rate, and FICA. The difference is timing, not tax treatment.