Iowa final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Iowa 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 Iowa
In Iowa, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Iowa requires payout when the employer’s policy provides for vacation pay; otherwise it follows the agreement.
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 allowed in Iowa, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects Iowa so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Iowa Code § 91A) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Iowa PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Iowa?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Iowa requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Iowa Division of Labor. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Iowa?
If your employment ends in Iowa, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next scheduled payday. If you quit: Next scheduled payday. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Iowa?
In Iowa, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: Iowa Code § 91A.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Iowa?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 4.0% Iowa rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Iowa?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Iowa is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.