Washington PTO cash-out calculator.
See the net value of cashing out unused PTO in Washington 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 Washington
A Washington 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, no state income tax, 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 Washington 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 Washington?
Whether cashing out is worthwhile in Washington depends on your employer’s policy: payout at separation isn’t guaranteed by Washington 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.
Washington enforces vacation payout based on the employer’s established policy or agreement. If a cash-out or payout you are owed is not paid, you have 3 years to file an unpaid-wage claim with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) (reference: Wash. Rev. Code § 49.48). Confirm the current filing process before you file.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a PTO cash-out worth after tax in Washington?
A cash-out is a supplemental wage: 22% flat federal withholding, no state income tax, and 7.65% FICA. Enter your rate and hours above to see the Washington net.
Can I cash out PTO while employed in Washington?
Cashing out PTO while still employed depends on your employer's policy, not Washington law — no state requires in-employment cash-out. Check your handbook for whether and when it is allowed.
Is a Washington cash-out taxed differently from a payout when I leave?
No. Both are supplemental wages with the same withholding: 22% federal, no state income tax, and FICA. The difference is timing, not tax treatment.