Iowa PTO cash-out calculator.
See the net value of cashing out unused PTO in Iowa 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 Iowa
A Iowa 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 4.0% Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa?
Whether cashing out is worthwhile in Iowa depends on your employer’s policy: payout at separation isn’t guaranteed by Iowa law, so if your handbook allows forfeiture, cashing out may be the only way to capture the value before you leave. Use-it-or-lose-it is allowed here.
Iowa requires payout when the employer’s policy provides for vacation pay; otherwise it follows the agreement. If a cash-out or payout you are owed is not paid, you have 2 years to file an unpaid-wage claim with the Iowa Division of Labor (reference: Iowa Code § 91A). Confirm the current filing process before you file.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a PTO cash-out worth after tax in Iowa?
A cash-out is a supplemental wage: 22% flat federal withholding, an estimated 4.0% Iowa supplemental rate, and 7.65% FICA. Enter your rate and hours above to see the Iowa net.
Can I cash out PTO while employed in Iowa?
Cashing out PTO while still employed depends on your employer's policy, not Iowa law — no state requires in-employment cash-out. Check your handbook for whether and when it is allowed.
Is a Iowa cash-out taxed differently from a payout when I leave?
No. Both are supplemental wages with the same withholding: 22% federal, an estimated 4.0% Iowa supplemental rate, and FICA. The difference is timing, not tax treatment.