Texas Final Paycheck Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014 — Payment After Termination of Employment
Payment Deadlines
- Terminated / Fired: 6 days
- Resigned: Next regular payday
- Starts from: date of termination
Waiting-Time Penalty
If your employer fails to pay your final wages within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to Additional wages equal to amount owed for each day of delay after notice, plus attorney fees under Tex. Lab. Code § 61.019.
Key Facts
- Vacation payout required: Yes
- Commission payout required: Yes
- Small claims limit: $20,000
How to File a Wage Claim
File wage claim with Texas Workforce Commission.
Agency: Texas Workforce Commission
What Your Texas Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Texas's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Deadline Citation
Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014 cited by section number, with the correct deadline for your separation type (terminated vs. resigned).
Penalty Calculation
Additional wages equal to amount owed for each day of delay after notice, 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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Texas Final Paycheck FAQ
How long does my employer have to pay my final paycheck in Texas?
Under Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014, employers in Texas must pay terminated employees within 6 days. Employees who resign are paid by the next regular payday.
What happens if my Texas 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 Additional wages equal to amount owed for each day of delay after notice, plus attorney fees under Tex. Lab. Code § 61.019. You can pursue this through a wage claim or in court.
Does it matter if I was fired or quit in Texas?
Yes. In Texas, the deadline differs: terminated employees must be paid 6 days, 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 Texas?
Yes. Texas 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 Texas?
Yes. You can file wage claim with texas workforce commission. You may also pursue a private lawsuit. Texas small claims court handles cases up to $20,000.
Do I need a lawyer to send a final paycheck demand letter in Texas?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Texas-specific demand letter citing Tex. Lab. Code § 61.014 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.