Can my employer make me pay back overpaid wages?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Feb 14, 2026
Seyfarth Synopsis: California Labor Code § 221 states it is “unlawful for any employer to collect or receive from an employee any part of wages … paid … to said employee.” In other words, employers cannot just take money back to correct an overpayment of wages.
How do you deduct repayment of wages?
If the amount repaid is more than $3,000, they may deduct the repayment as another itemized deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040), line 16 if you included the income under a claim or right or take a credit against their tax for the year in which it’s repaid.
Can my employer deduct money from wages?
Rules for making deductions from your pay Your employer is not allowed to make a deduction from your pay or wages unless: it is required or allowed by law, for example National Insurance, income tax or student loan repayments. you agree in writing to a deduction. your contract of employment says they can.
What happens if you deduct money from your paycheck?
If an employer breaches this workplace law, the money spent or paid by an employee will be treated like a deduction. The employee will be entitled to back pay from their employer, equal to the amount spent or paid. Amounts paid by prospective employees can also be recovered, whether or not they start work with the employer.
How much can an employer deduct from an employee’s pay?
Most awards say that an employer can deduct up to one week’s wages from an employee’s pay if: the employee is over 18 the employee hasn’t given the right amount of notice under their award
Can a employer deduct the overpayment of an employee?
If the repayment can’t be agreed an employer should get legal advice. Tony was overpaid $2000 over 3 years because of a payroll error. His award does not allow a deduction to be made when an employee is overpaid. Tony and his employer, Alice, meet to discuss the overpayment.
Is it mandatory to repay PTPTN through salary deduction?
Repayment through salary deductions can prevent arrears. The loan record at CCRIS will also be kept clean. This is crucial if you would like to apply for loan application in near future, for example housing loan. For civil servants, repayment through salary deductions is mandatory.