When you leave a job, you expect to receive your final paycheck for all the hours you’ve worked. In most cases, this is a straightforward process governed by state and federal law. The general rule is that an employer must pay you for your labor. However, there are specific and surprising circumstances where your employer may have the legal right to make deductions from your final wages or, in rare cases, withhold the check entirely. These situations are often a shock to employees who believe their final pay is untouchable. Knowing when an employer can keep your final paycheck is crucial for understanding your rights as a worker.
Here are seven situations where your employer might have a legal claim to your last paycheck.
