Are You a California Employee Facing Unlawful Wage Deductions? Know Your Rights.

At WorkRight Law, APC, we fight for employees who’ve been shortchanged by their employers. If your paycheck is missing money and you’re not sure why, there’s a good chance your employer is breaking the law. California has some of the strongest wage protections in the country—and we’re here to enforce them on your behalf.

What Wage Deductions Are Legal in California?

California law tightly restricts what your employer can take out of your paycheck. Under California Labor Code §§ 221 and 224, only the following deductions are lawful:

• Deductions Required by Law
  These include federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and court-ordered wage garnishments.

• Deductions You Specifically Agreed to in Writing
  For things like health insurance premiums, voluntary retirement contributions, or union dues.

• Deductions Allowed Under a Valid Wage or Union Agreement
  Common in jobs covered by collective bargaining, like contributions to health or pension funds.

Unless your employer fits one of these narrow categories, any other deduction is most likely illegal.

What Deductions Are Illegal?

California law protects workers from having to pay for the employer’s business costs. That means your employer cannot deduct wages for:

• Mistakes or Accidents
  Did a register come up short? Did you accidentally break equipment or drop merchandise? Your employer cannot legally make you pay for it.

• Property Loss or Damage
  Even if something gets lost or damaged while you’re working, if it wasn’t intentional or grossly negligent, they can’t deduct your pay.

• Unreturned Uniforms or Tools
  Without your written agreement, they can’t deduct for missing items—even if you quit or are fired.

• Final Paycheck Deductions
  Your employer cannot withhold part of your final paycheck to cover “debts” or expenses unless you agreed to it in writing. Even then, many of these deductions are still unlawful.

These protections are part of Labor Code §§ 221 and 224, which state that any deduction not specifically authorized is prohibited—no matter what your employer claims.

Why This Matters

Unlawful deductions can add up quickly—especially if they’re happening regularly. But every dollar that’s been wrongly taken from your paycheck could be yours to recover—with interest, penalties, and attorney’s fees.

You work hard. You deserve every cent you’ve earned.

WorkRight Law, APC Is Here for You

At WorkRight Law, APC, we represent workers—not employers. If your employer has taken money out of your paycheck for things like mistakes, shortages, uniforms, or unexplained deductions, we may be able to help you:

• Recover the wages you’re owed

• Pursue penalties and interest

• Hold your employer accountable under California law

Call us today at (562) 760-8803 or visit WorkRightLaw.com for a free and confidential consultation.

Don’t let your employer pocket your hard-earned wages. Let us help you take your power back.