Riverside Paycheck Deduction/Reimbursement to Employees Lawyer
In Riverside and throughout California, state law limits the types of paycheck deductions that an employer can make from workers’ paychecks, and state law also requires certain types of expenses to be reimbursed. Both employees and employers alike should learn about their rights and responsibilities under California law. For employees who believe they have grounds for filing a claim, or for employers who are facing a claim, it is essential to seek advice from a Riverside paycheck deduction lawyer who has years of experience handling employment law matters in California.
Paycheck Deductions Under California Law in Riverside
Employers in California are only permitted to make certain types of paycheck deductions under California law. The following deductions are examples of those that an employer often can make lawfully under California law:
- Income taxes and garnishments;
- Authorized deductions for covering an employee’s insurance premiums; and
- Authorized deductions to cover pension payments.
There are many types of deductions that an employer cannot make because they are unlawful. Examples of unlawful paycheck deductions include but are not limited to:
- Gratuities you received from a customer or client (although restaurants in California are permitted to have tip-pooling or tip-sharing policies for employees who provide customers with table service);
- Cost of having photographs taken for identification cards or other employment purposes;
- Cost of a required uniform;
- Medical or other physical examinations required for the job; and
- Compensation for company property losses due to breakage or damage at work concerning any company property or equipment (according to California courts, losses that result from simple negligence are part of the costs associated with doing business, and these losses cannot be deducted from employee paychecks).
Employers who make unlawful deductions can be subject to wage claims through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, and likewise, an employee can file such a claim if an unlawful deduction is made. Employees also may be able to file a lawsuit against the employer in order to recover any wages that were unlawfully deducted.
Reimbursements for Business Expenses in Riverside
Business expenses cannot be deducted from an employee’s wages, and thus any money an employee spends on business expenses typically must be reimbursed under California Labor Code 2802. Business expenses that must be reimbursed include but are not limited to:
- Travel expenses;
- Use of personal cell phone for business purposes;
- Conference fees;
- Training program costs;
- Required education costs;
- Work uniform costs;
- Costs associated with entertaining business associates or clients;
- Mileage reimbursement for work travel;
- Tolls paid for work travel in a personal vehicle;
- Postage costs; and
- Using a personal electronic device for work-related duties.
Contact Our Riverside Paycheck Deduction Lawyers
Whether you have questions about your rights or responsibilities under California law concerning paycheck deductions and business expenses, one of our experienced Riverside paycheck deduction attorneys can assist you. The lawyers at our firm have been representing clients for years in many different kinds of employment law matters, and we can speak with you today about your inquiries or concerns. Contact the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat, APC to learn more.
