Wisconsin requires unused PTO to be paid out when you leave unless a written policy or agreement clearly states it will not be.
PTO payout in Wisconsin
Payout at separation
Required unless policy says no
Use-it-or-lose-it
Allowed with a clear written policy
The rule
Wisconsin requires unused PTO to be paid out when you leave unless a written policy or agreement clearly states it will not be.
How this usually works
PTO payout is governed by state wage law, not federal law. Where a state treats accrued vacation as earned wages, employers must pay it out when you leave. Everywhere else, it comes down to your employer's written policy or contract, and if that policy promises payout, the employer generally has to honor it. A payout is taxed as wages when you receive it. This is general information, not legal advice.