--- title: California Final Pay Timing description: Wages are due immediately at discharge. A quit without notice is due within 72 hours. --- [Skip to content](https://help.backofficenow.com/articles/california-final-pay#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://help.backofficenow.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Partner portal](https://tickets.backofficenow.com/tickets-view?hsLang=en) [![Boss Primary Logo w-o Descriptor\_Gray on White](https://help.backofficenow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Branding%20guide/Logos/Logos%20without%20descriptors/Primary%20Logos%20without%20descriptors/Boss%20Primary%20Logo%20w-o%20Descriptor_Gray%20on%20White.png?width=350&height=172&name=Boss%20Primary%20Logo%20w-o%20Descriptor_Gray%20on%20White.png)](https://www.backofficenow.com) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://help.backofficenow.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Partner portal](https://tickets.backofficenow.com/tickets-view) - BOSS Home BOSS Home Hello! How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [BOSS knowledge base](https://help.backofficenow.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Compliance](https://help.backofficenow.com/compliance?hsLang=en) 3. [California](https://help.backofficenow.com/compliance?hsLang=en#california) # California Final Pay Timing ## Wages are due immediately at discharge. A quit without notice is due within 72 hours. ## The rule Labor Code section 201 says that if an employer discharges an employee, the wages earned and unpaid at the time of discharge are due and payable immediately. Section 202 says that if an employee without a written contract for a definite period quits, wages are due not later than 72 hours afterward, unless the employee gave 72 hours previous notice, in which case wages are due at the time of quitting. An employee who quits without that notice may ask to be paid by mail. The mailing date is the payment date for the 72-hour rule. ## What employers must do Have the final wages ready at discharge. If the associate resigns, ask whether 72 hours of notice was given, and pay on the matching deadline. Do not hold the check for unreturned equipment. The statute's special rules for seasonal canning layoffs and for state employees are narrower than a typical assignment. ## Effective dates Sections 201 and 202 are current, as amended effective January 1, 2019. No January 1, 2027 change was on those pages. ## What this means for BOSS partners and associates BOSS is often the employer of record for the associate. Wage, break, leave, posting, and tax rules usually follow the state where the associate works. Tell BOSS that state before the assignment starts. Associates should record every hour worked on the timesheet. Do not promise a pay practice, a leave bank, or a posting the statute does not require. Questions? Contact BOSS Support at support@backofficenow.com. ## Sources - [Labor Code section 201](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=201) - [Labor Code section 202](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=202) This article is general information, not legal advice. 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