North Carolina final paycheck law & calculator.
Add your unpaid North Carolina 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 North Carolina
In North Carolina, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. North Carolina requires payout unless the employer’s written policy clearly notifies employees that unused vacation is lost.
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 North Carolina, and the window to claim unpaid final wages runs for 2 years. This calculator pre-selects North Carolina so the state tax estimate is built in.
For the governing statute (reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.12) and a full PTO breakdown, see the North Carolina PTO payout guide and final paycheck rules by state.
When is your final paycheck due in North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina requires to be paid. Late or missing final pay can entitle you to penalties or interest \u2014 file an unpaid-wage claim with the North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Bureau. Deadlines change with legislation, so confirm the current rule before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When is my final paycheck due in North Carolina?
If your employment ends in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
In North Carolina, whether unused PTO is included depends on your employer's written policy. Reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-25.12.
How is my final paycheck taxed in North Carolina?
Regular wages are withheld at your normal rate; the PTO portion is a supplemental wage withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, an estimated 5.3% North Carolina rate, and 7.65% FICA.
How long do I have to claim unpaid final wages in North Carolina?
The statute of limitations for unpaid-wage claims in North Carolina is 2 years. File a claim with the state labor department if your final check is missing or wrong.