Texas final paycheck law
The short answer
An employee who is discharged must be paid in full not later than the sixth calendar day after discharge. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(a)) An employee who leaves employment other than by discharge (quits, resigns, retires) must be paid in full not later than the next regularly scheduled payday. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(b))
Last verified Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule
General information, not legal advice. This page is for general information only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change; check the official source or talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Every rule on this page links to its official source.
Final paycheck
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due?6 calendar daysVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official sources
An employee who is discharged must be paid in full not later than the sixth calendar day after discharge. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(a))
“Sec. 61.014. PAYMENT AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) An employer shall pay in full an employee who is discharged from employment not later than the sixth day after the date the employee is discharged.”
“If an employee is laid off, discharged, fired, or otherwise involuntarily separated from employment, the final pay is due within six (6) calendar days of discharge.”
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due?Next regular paydayVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official sources
An employee who leaves employment other than by discharge (quits, resigns, retires) must be paid in full not later than the next regularly scheduled payday. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(b))
“(b) An employer shall pay in full an employee who leaves employment other than by discharge not later than the next regularly scheduled payday.”
“If the employee quits, retires, resigns, or otherwise leaves employment voluntarily, the final pay is due on the next regularly-scheduled payday following the effective date of resignation.”
What it means for an employer
- Set the final pay date when you schedule the termination meeting or accept the resignation, using the deadline above.
- Include every wage earned up to the last day, and check the PTO payout rule for your state.
- Keep a record of the date and the amount paid.
The federal default
“Employers are not required by federal law to give former employees their final paycheck immediately.”
State rules can add to the federal default. The Texas rules above are the ones we verified; for anything not covered, ask the state labor office.
Final paycheck: Texas and its neighbors
| State | Final pay after firing | After quitting |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6 calendar days | Next regular payday |
| New Mexico | Not verified | Not verified |
| Oklahoma | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Arkansas | Not verified | Not verified |
| Louisiana | Not verified | Not verified |
Only verified rules are shown. "Not verified" means we have not checked that state's rule yet; open its rulebook for the official source.
Related
Questions about Texas final paycheck law
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due in Texas?
An employee who is discharged must be paid in full not later than the sixth calendar day after discharge. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(a))
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due in Texas?
An employee who leaves employment other than by discharge (quits, resigns, retires) must be paid in full not later than the next regularly scheduled payday. (Texas Labor Code § 61.014(b))
Sources (3)
Checked Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule · Report an error