Colorado Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
C.R.S. § 8-4-104 — Wages on Separation from Employment
Payment Deadlines
- Terminated / Fired: Immediately
- Resigned: Next regular payday
- Starts from: date of separation
Waiting-Time Penalty
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Treble damages plus costs and reasonable attorney fees under C.R.S. § 8-4-122.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $7,500
How to File a Wage Claim
File wage complaint with Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics.
Agency: Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
What Your Colorado Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Colorado's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
C.R.S. § 8-4-104 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
Treble damages plus costs and reasonable attorney fees — calculated to the exact dollar amount.
Itemized Wages
Base wages, accrued vacation, commissions, bonuses, and expense reimbursements — all itemized with amounts.
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Colorado Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 8-4-104, terminated employees in Colorado must be paid immediately. Employees who resign are generally paid by the next regular payday.
What happens if my Colorado employer doesn't pay my final wages on time?
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Treble damages plus costs and reasonable attorney fees under C.R.S. § 8-4-122. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, the deadline differs: terminated employees must be paid immediately, while employees who resign are paid next regular payday. Our tool accounts for this difference.
Is my employer required to pay out accrued vacation in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires employers to pay out accrued but unused vacation time as part of your final wages. This includes PTO if your employer's policy treats it as vacation.
Can I file a wage claim or sue my employer in Colorado?
Yes. You can file wage complaint with colorado division of labor standards and statistics. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Colorado small claims court handles cases up to $7,500.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Colorado?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Colorado-specific demand letter citing C.R.S. § 8-4-104 so your employer knows you understand your rights and the penalties they face.
Final Paycheck Laws by State
Select your state to see your specific deadlines and generate your letter.