Arizona Final Paycheck Law — deadline calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

• When does an Arizona employer have to give a final paycheck if I was fired?

  Under A.R.S. § 23-353 (as of 2026), if you are discharged (fired), your employer must pay all wages owed within 7 working days or by the end of the next regular pay period — whichever date comes first. For example, if your next payday is in 5 days, you must be paid within 5 days (not 9 calendar days).

• When must I receive a final paycheck if I quit my job in Arizona?

  If you voluntarily resign, Arizona law requires your employer to issue your final paycheck no later than the next regular payday for the pay period in which your last day of work occurred. You may also request payment by mail, and the employer must honor that request.

• What happens if my employer misses the final paycheck deadline in Arizona?

  Failing to pay final wages on time is a criminal petty offense under A.R.S. § 23-353. Employees may also file a wage claim with the Arizona Industrial Commission (AZICA) at azica.gov at no cost. AZICA can investigate and order payment of all outstanding wages. Courts may also award treble damages plus attorneys' fees under A.R.S. § 23-355 for willful non-payment.

• Can my Arizona employer withhold my final paycheck for any reason?

  No. Under A.R.S. § 23-352, Arizona employers cannot withhold earned wages. An employer may not hold a final paycheck as leverage for return of company property, a signed release, or any other reason. All earned wages must be paid by the legal deadline, regardless of any dispute.

• Does Arizona require a final paycheck within 24 or 48 hours of termination?

  No. Unlike California (same-day if fired) or some other states, Arizona does not require immediate payment. The deadline is 7 working days or the next regular payday — whichever is sooner — for discharged employees. Arizona's rule is still stricter than the federal FLSA, which has no final paycheck deadline at all.

• What counts as '7 working days' under A.R.S. § 23-353?

  'Working days' generally means business days — Monday through Friday, excluding recognized holidays. Seven working days equals approximately 9 to 11 calendar days depending on weekends and holidays falling in that period. Courts and AZICA interpret this based on the actual calendar.

• Are bonuses or commissions included in the Arizona final paycheck deadline?

  All earned wages must be paid on time. Arizona defines wages broadly to include earned commissions and formally promised bonuses. Disputed amounts not yet calculable may sometimes be handled separately, but all undisputed earned amounts must still be paid by the legal deadline.

• Can I sue my employer in Arizona for not issuing a final paycheck on time?

  Yes. In addition to filing a wage claim with AZICA, you can bring a civil lawsuit to recover unpaid wages plus interest. Under A.R.S. § 23-355, courts may award treble (triple) damages plus reasonable attorneys' fees in successful wage claims. The statute of limitations is 2 years (3 years for willful violations).

• Does the Arizona final paycheck law apply to part-time and seasonal employees?

  Yes. A.R.S. § 23-353 applies to all employees — full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary — regardless of industry or employer size. There is no minimum hours threshold or employee-count exemption. Independent contractors are not covered (they are not employees under Arizona law).

• How do I file a final paycheck wage claim in Arizona?

  Visit the Arizona Industrial Commission (AZICA) at azica.gov and submit an Unpaid Wage Claim Form. Claims can be filed online, by mail, or in person. There is no filing fee. AZICA will notify the employer and investigate. If the claim is valid, AZICA can order payment of all owed wages. You can also hire a private attorney to pursue the claim in court.