Free Calculator · All 50 States · 2026
PTO Payout Calculator
Find out how much your unused PTO or vacation payout is worth, whether your state's PTO payout laws require payout, and when your employer must send your final paycheck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get paid for my unused PTO when I quit?
It depends on your state. States like California, Colorado, Illinois, and Louisiana treat accrued PTO as earned wages — your employer is legally required to pay it out when you leave, regardless of company policy. Most other states (including Texas, Florida, and Georgia) allow employers to forfeit unused PTO if their written policy says so. Always check your employee handbook AND your state law — both apply.
Can my employer refuse to pay out my unused vacation days?
In states with mandatory payout laws (CA, CO, IL, LA, MA, MT, NE, ND), no — refusal is a wage theft violation. In at-will states with no payout law, yes — if your employer's written policy states PTO is forfeited at termination. "Use-it-or-lose-it" policies are legal in most states but explicitly illegal in California and Montana.
Is PTO payout taxed differently than regular wages?
No. PTO payout is taxed exactly like regular wages — subject to federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and your state income tax. Your employer will withhold taxes and include it on your W-2. There is no special tax rate for vacation payouts.
What if my employer has a "use-it-or-lose-it" PTO policy?
Use-it-or-lose-it policies are legal in most US states, meaning you can lose accrued PTO at year-end or at termination if you haven't used it. However, California and Montana completely prohibit these policies — all accrued PTO must be paid out. Illinois and North Dakota prohibit forfeiture at termination but allow year-end resets with advance notice.