District of Columbia final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
District of Columbia treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Washington D.C. treats accrued vacation as wages that must be paid at separation unless a clear written forfeiture policy exists.
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 District of Columbia, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3 years. This calculator pre-selects District of Columbia so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: D.C. Code § 32-1303) and a full PTO breakdown, see the District of Columbia PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in District of Columbia?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next business day |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO District of Columbia requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES). Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in District of Columbia?
If your employment ends in District of Columbia, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next business day. If you quit: Next scheduled payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: D.C. Code § 32-1303.
How is my final paycheck taxed in District of Columbia?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 8.9% District of Columbia rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in District of Columbia?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in District of Columbia is 3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.