Maine final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Maine 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 Maine
Maine treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Maine requires private employers with 11+ employees to pay out all unused, accrued vacation upon separation.
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 Maine, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 6 years. This calculator pre-selects Maine so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 26 § 626) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Maine PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Maine?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday or within 2 weeks of demand, whichever is earlier |
| If you quit | Next scheduled payday or within 2 weeks of demand, whichever is earlier |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Maine requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Maine Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Maine?
If your employment ends in Maine, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: Next scheduled payday or within 2 weeks of demand, whichever is earlier. If you quit: Next scheduled payday or within 2 weeks of demand, whichever is earlier. Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Maine?
Maine treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 26 § 626.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Maine?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 7.5% Maine rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Maine?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Maine is 6 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.