Massachusetts final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Massachusetts treats earned vacation as wages. Unused accrued vacation must be paid at separation and cannot be forfeited.
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 Massachusetts, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 3 years. This calculator pre-selects Massachusetts so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 149 § 148) and a full PTO breakdown, see the Massachusetts PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in Massachusetts?
| Situation | Final paycheck deadline |
|---|---|
| If you are fired or laid off | The day of discharge |
| If you quit | Next payday (or the following Saturday if there is no scheduled payday) |
This deadline applies to your whole final paycheck, including any accrued PTO Massachusetts requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Fair Labor Division. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in Massachusetts?
If your employment ends in Massachusetts, your final paycheck — including any owed PTO — is due as follows. If you are fired or laid off: The day of discharge. If you quit: Next payday (or the following Saturday if there is no scheduled payday). Deadlines can change, so confirm the current rule with the state labor department.
Is PTO included in a final paycheck in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts treats accrued vacation as earned wages, so your unused PTO must be included in your final paycheck. Reference: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 149 § 148.
How is my final paycheck taxed in Massachusetts?
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% Massachusetts rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in Massachusetts?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in Massachusetts is 3 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.