Minnesota Final Paycheck Law (2026)

When your last paycheck is due in Minnesota after you leave a job, whether you quit or were fired, and what it has to include.

Updated for 2026 Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

In Minnesota, your final paycheck is due within 24 hours of receiving a written demand from the employee if you are fired, and next payday at least five days after the last day, but no more than 20 days after if you quit.

Final paycheck deadline in Minnesota

If you are fired or laid off

Within 24 hours of receiving a written demand from the employee

If you quit

Next payday at least five days after the last day, but no more than 20 days after

What your final pay must include

Your final paycheck must include all the wages you earned through your last day. Whether it also has to include unused vacation depends on your state and your employer's policy, some states treat accrued vacation as wages that must be paid out. See Minnesota PTO payout rules. If an employer misses the deadline, many states add penalties. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Minnesota final paycheck FAQ

When is my final paycheck due in Minnesota if I am fired?

If you are fired in Minnesota, your final paycheck is due within 24 hours of receiving a written demand from the employee.

When is my final paycheck due if I quit in Minnesota?

If you quit in Minnesota, your final paycheck is due next payday at least five days after the last day, but no more than 20 days after.

Does my final paycheck include unused PTO?

It depends on your state and your employer's policy. Some states require accrued vacation to be paid out at separation. See Minnesota PTO payout rules for details.

Can an employer withhold my final paycheck in Minnesota?

No. An employer cannot withhold earned wages. They can make lawful deductions, but the wages you have earned are owed by the state deadline, whether or not you return company property (with narrow exceptions in a few states).

Where can I find the official Minnesota rule?

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and your state wage-payment law govern final pay. The official source is linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.