Idaho final paycheck law

Layoffs and other situations

Layoffs follow the same rule. The 48-hour clock (weekends and holidays excluded) starts when the employer gets the employee's written request. Employees not paid hourly or salary must get at least minimum wage for the last pay period by these deadlines, with any extra due by the next regular payday. The Idaho Department of Labor director may grant an employer a temporary extension for good reasons. Source: legislature.idaho.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

Unused vacation and PTO

Not addressed by statute. The definition of wages does not mention vacation; payout depends on the employer's policy or agreement. Source: legislature.idaho.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

If the final paycheck is late

Employee's pay keeps running at the normal rate until paid, for up to 15 days, capped at $750 ($500 if paid before a lien is filed). In court, the employee can recover the greater of wages plus that penalty or three times the unpaid wages, plus attorney fees. Source: legislature.idaho.gov↗ (opens in a new tab) Source: legislature.idaho.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

The law and where to check

The law: Idaho Code §§ 45-606, 45-607, 45-615 (opens in a new tab)

The agency: Idaho Department of Labor (Wage and Hour / Labor Compliance) (opens in a new tab)

What federal law says

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to give a final paycheck immediately. The U.S. Department of Labor says an employee who has not received final pay by the regular payday for their last pay period can contact its Wage and Hour Division or the state labor department. Source: U.S. Department of Labor↗ (opens in a new tab)

Final paycheck checklist for Idaho employers

A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.

1. Write down how the job ended: fired or let go, or the employee quit. If they quit, note whether and when they gave notice.
2. Find the deadline for that situation in the table above.
3. Add up all hours worked up to the last day, including any overtime.
4. Check your written vacation or PTO policy and the vacation rule above.
5. Add any commission or bonus that was earned, using the rules above.
6. Pay on time by your usual method, or by mail if the rules above allow it and the employee asks.
7. Keep a dated record of what you paid and when.

More Idaho employment law guides

• All Idaho employment laws
• Idaho paid sick leave law
• Idaho meal and rest break laws
• Idaho overtime law
• Idaho pay frequency law
• Idaho vacation and PTO payout law
• Idaho new hire reporting
• Idaho at-will exceptions

Final paycheck laws in other states

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.

Last checked: October 19, 2026. Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.