What Can My Employer Deduct From My Paycheck and When Does An Employer Have to Reimburse Business Expenses?
An employer can lawfully withhold amounts from an employee’s wages only: (1) when required or empowered to do so by state or federal law, or (2) when a deduction is expressly authorized in writing by the employee to cover insurance premiums, benefit plan contributions or other deductions not amounting to a rebate on the employee’s wages, or (3) when a deduction to cover health, welfare, or pension contributions is expressly authorized by a wage or collective bargaining agreement. To read more about exempt employees, please see Labor Code, Section 221 and 224 (click here).
Additionally, an employer cannot deduct normal business expenses from an employee’s paycheck. Instead they must reimburse any expenses occurred by the employee. This includes any uniforms and tools required by the employer, personal cell phone and internet service used employment, and work related travel expenses.
We fight hard. And we win.
News & Case Alerts
Read related articles and learn about recently filed cases.
Thank You, Jason Thompson
I just wanted to say thank you, Jason. The amount of work that you have done is astronomical, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’ve always felt that you do what you say, take responsibility for your actions, even when you’re wrong, and that your word is your bond. (We found…
Heartfelt Thanks to Judy Susskind
Judy, I wanted to inform you that my mother passed away last night after losing a painful battle. She wanted me to specifically contact you and thank you for what you did for her. You took a chance and stood by her when no one else would, and you helped…
Praise for Nathan Robbins
One phone call made a world of difference! Thanks, Nate, for addressing and acknowledging my concerns! Great professionalism.
Praise for Judith Susskind
Ms. Susskind, your honesty, professionalism, and compassion meant a lot to me. I’m especially grateful for how thoroughly you reviewed my records and for the time you spent listening to my story. It’s been incredibly painful to reopen these wounds over and over and live them daily. Your kindness helped…
We Care About Our Clients
Everyone I have spoken with at Sommers Schwartz during my claim has showed me immeasurable amounts of kindness, respect, and care. I truly can’t say enough positive things about them. The way they’ve cared about me makes a big difference! Thank you!
About Paulina Kennedy
Paulina Kennedy is amazing!! She went above and beyond to work on my case and kept me posted and updated every step of the way. I cannot thank her enough for her work and professionalism.
From a Happy Client
I can’t thank this team enough. From start to finish, they were compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for me. It made such a difference knowing I had a team that genuinely cared.
Praise for Lenore Zakhem
Lenore Zakhem worked on my liability case efficiently and effectively! I would recommend and Sommers Schwartz for any legal matters in the future!!
Our Clients Say It Best





