Final Paycheck Checklist: Timing, Deductions, PTO, and Records

Prepare a compliant final pay process before an employee leaves. Use this guide to check payroll assumptions before a paycheck, tax deposit, employee communication, or HR policy depends on them.

What to Confirm First

Start with pay period, gross wages, hours worked, tax status, benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and any state or local rule that affects the result.

Build a Base Case and a Risk Case

Compare the normal payroll run with a second version where hours, bonuses, benefits, or withholding change. Payroll mistakes are easier to catch before money moves.

• Keep source records for rates, hours, and approvals.
• Separate employee taxes from employer payroll costs.
• Review year-to-date totals, not only the current paycheck.

Common Mistakes

Avoid mixing contractor and employee rules, ignoring local taxes, treating withholding as final tax, or changing deductions without documenting employee authorization.

Next Step

Use the related PayrollFixPro calculator, save the inputs, and update assumptions whenever pay, benefits, or tax forms change.