Illinois final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Illinois 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 Illinois
Illinois treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Earned vacation is considered wages in Illinois and must be paid out at the final rate when employment ends. Forfeiture of earned vacation is prohibited.
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 Illinois, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3–10 years. This calculator pre-selects Illinois so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Illinois Wage Payment & Collection Act) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Illinois PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Illinois?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | At separation if possible, but no later than the next payday |
| If you quit | At separation if possible, but no later than the next payday |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Illinois requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Illinois?
If your employment ends in Illinois, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: At separation if possible, but no later than the next payday. If you quit: At separation if possible, but no later than the next payday. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Illinois?
Illinois treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: Illinois Wage Payment & Collection Act.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Illinois?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 5.0% Illinois rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Illinois?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Illinois is 3–10 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.