Final Paycheck Laws in Texas
When a Texas employer must pay your last paycheck if you are fired, laid off or quit, and whether unused vacation must be paid out.
Short answer: Within six calendar days after the last day of work (laid off, discharged or fired). The employer cannot hold the final check to recover company property unless allowed by law, a court, or the employee's written authorization. Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014 (Texas Payday Law)
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | Within six calendar days after the last day of work (laid off, discharged or fired). The employer cannot hold the final check to recover company property unless allowed by law, a court, or the employee's written authorization. |
|---|---|
| Final paycheck if you quit | On the next regularly scheduled payday after the resignation takes effect. An employer may accept a notice of resignation immediately and does not have to pay for the notice period. |
| Unused vacation / PTO payout | Required only if the employer's written policy or agreement provides for it. Employers set their own policies on how vacation, holiday, sick leave or severance is earned and whether unused time is paid out. |
Where to get help in Texas
More Texas employment law
- Minimum Wage in Texas
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Texas
- Wrongful Termination in Texas
- Paid Sick Leave in Texas
- Non-Compete Agreements in Texas
- All Texas employment law rules
FAQ
When do I get my final paycheck if I'm fired in Texas?
Within six calendar days after the last day of work (laid off, discharged or fired). The employer cannot hold the final check to recover company property unless allowed by law, a court, or the employee's written authorization.
When do I get my final paycheck if I quit in Texas?
On the next regularly scheduled payday after the resignation takes effect. An employer may accept a notice of resignation immediately and does not have to pay for the notice period.
Does an employer have to pay out unused PTO in Texas?
Required only if the employer's written policy or agreement provides for it. Employers set their own policies on how vacation, holiday, sick leave or severance is earned and whether unused time is paid out.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.