Kentucky final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Kentucky 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 Kentucky
In Kentucky, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Kentucky enforces vacation payout based on the employer’s written policy or established practice.
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 Kentucky, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 5 years. This calculator pre-selects Kentucky so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Ky. Rev. Stat. § 337) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Kentucky PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Kentucky?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Kentucky requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Wages and Hours. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Kentucky?
If your employment ends in Kentucky, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. If you quit: Next scheduled payday or within 14 days, whichever is later. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: Ky. Rev. Stat. § 337.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Kentucky?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 4.5% Kentucky rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Kentucky?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Kentucky is 5 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.