Louisiana Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
La. R.S. § 23:631 — Payment After Discharge or Resignation
Payment Deadlines
- Terminated / Fired: 15 days
- Resigned: 15 days
- 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 90 days wages as penalty, plus attorney fees under La. R.S. § 23:632.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $5,000
How to File a Wage Claim
File suit in district court; no administrative wage claim process.
Agency: Louisiana Workforce Commission
What Your Louisiana Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Louisiana's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
La. R.S. § 23:631 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
90 days wages as penalty, plus 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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Louisiana Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Louisiana?
Under La. R.S. § 23:631, employers in Louisiana must pay terminated employees within 15 days. Employees who resign are paid by the 15 days after resignation.
What happens if my Louisiana 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 90 days wages as penalty, plus attorney fees under La. R.S. § 23:632. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the deadline is the same regardless of separation type: 15 days under La. R.S. § 23:631.
Is my employer required to pay out accrued vacation in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Yes. You can file suit in district court; no administrative wage claim process. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Louisiana small claims court handles cases up to $5,000.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Louisiana?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Louisiana-specific demand letter citing La. R.S. § 23:631 so your employer knows you understand your rights and the penalties they face.
Final Paycheck Laws by State
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