District of Columbia PTO payout calculator.
Enter your details
How are you paid?
Your full pay before taxes are taken out
Most full-time jobs are 40
How many PTO hours you have left. Check your latest pay stub.
This changes the legal advice below, not the dollar amount.
Enter your pay and unused PTO hours to download the report.
What you'll be paid
Payout before taxes
$0.00
Enter your pay and unused PTO hours to see what you'll get paid and how much goes to taxes.
Estimates only. Tax withholding may differ based on your full-year income, filing status, and deductions. Consult a tax professional for exact figures.
Disclaimer: Calculations are based on the 2026 IRS Supplemental Wage Rate (22% flat federal withholding) and current state labor department guidelines. Always consult an employment attorney for binding legal disputes.
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.
How much is a PTO payout in District of Columbia?
Your District of Columbia PTO payout equals accrued unused hours × your hourly rate. Payout is required by law. Expect 22% federal withholding, about 8.9% District of Columbia tax, and 7.65% FICA.
District of Columbia PTO payout law, in plain English
Washington D.C. treats accrued vacation as wages that must be paid at separation unless a clear written forfeiture policy exists.
Reference: D.C. Code § 32-1303. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are not allowed in District of Columbia, and the statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims is 3 years.
Caps, accrual rollover & penalties
Because District of Columbia treats accrued vacation as earned wages, employers cannot impose use-it-or-lose-it forfeiture on already-earned time. Caps may limit future accrual but cannot erase time already earned, and late final pay can trigger wage penalties.
What this means for employees
Before you leave a job in District of Columbia, take these steps: (1) Pull your exact PTO balance from your latest pay stub or HR portal — not a rough estimate. (2) Review your written policy. District of Columbia treats accrued PTO as earned wages, so payout is mandatory regardless of what your handbook says. (3) Know the deadline. District of Columbia employers must include PTO in your final paycheck. If it’s missing or incorrect, you have 3 years from separation to file a wage claim. (4) Calculate your gross and net. Use the calculator above to verify your final check — employers sometimes use the wrong hourly rate or omit hours. Expect roughly 38.6% total withholding (22% federal + 8.9% District of Columbia + 7.65% FICA). (5) If you are denied payout, file a wage claim with the District of Columbia labor department referencing D.C. Code § 32-1303.
What this means for employers
Employers in District of Columbia should document their PTO payout policy in writing and apply it consistently. Use-it-or-lose-it forfeiture of earned vacation is not permitted here — accrued time is treated as wages and must be paid at separation. Calculate the final payout at the employee’s regular rate of pay and withhold supplemental federal tax (22%), 8.9% state tax, and FICA. Keep a copy of the calculation in the employee file.
How to calculate your District of Columbia PTO payout
To calculate a District of Columbia PTO payout, divide annual salary by 2,080 to get the hourly rate (or use the stated hourly rate), then multiply by accrued unused hours for the gross amount. Apply the 22% federal supplemental rate, 8.9% District of Columbia tax, and 7.65% FICA to estimate the net take-home.
District of Columbia PTO payout FAQ
Does District of Columbia require PTO payout when you quit or are fired?
In District of Columbia, PTO payout is legally required — accrued vacation is treated as earned wages and must be paid at separation. Reference: D.C. Code § 32-1303.
Are use-it-or-lose-it policies legal in District of Columbia?
Use-it-or-lose-it policies are not allowed in District of Columbia.
How much tax is taken from a PTO payout in District of Columbia?
PTO payouts are supplemental wages: 22% federal withholding, an estimated 8.9% District of Columbia supplemental rate, and 7.65% FICA.