Can I hold an employee’s final paycheck if they fail to turn in company equipment or required paperwork for expense reimbursements?

No. Employers may not withhold a final paycheck for failure to return company property or submit expense reimbursement paperwork.

All earned wages — including accrued, unused vacation or paid time off — must be paid on the last day of work, or within 72 hours if the employee quits without sufficient notice.

Employers may not deduct amounts from wages for the employer’s benefit, such as lost equipment or paycheck reissuance costs. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) considers these costs of doing business.

Employers may instead require employees to sign property acknowledgments and pursue