The Pay Stub
Lab. Code 226 — an itemized statement with every payment, and 21 days to produce the records
In California, an employer furnishes each employee, semimonthly or with each payment of wages, an accurate itemized statement in writing, either attached to the check or separately.
| On the statement | The statute's list |
|---|---|
| On the statementPay | The statute's listGross wages earned, all deductions, and net wages earned |
| On the statementHours and rates | The statute's listTotal hours worked, and every hourly rate in effect with the hours worked at each |
| On the statementPiece rates | The statute's listThe piece-rate units earned and the rate |
| On the statementThe period | The statute's listThe inclusive dates of the pay period |
| On the statementNames | The statute's listThe employee's name with only the last four digits of the social security number or an employee number, and the legal name and address of the employer |
Records within 21 days. Current and former employees have the right to inspect or receive a copy of their records on reasonable request, and the employer complies as soon as practicable, but no later than 21 calendar days. Failing to do so entitles the employee or the Labor Commissioner to a $750 penalty.
A knowing and intentional failure. An employee injured by a knowing and intentional failure to provide a compliant statement recovers the greater of actual damages or $50 for the first pay period and $100 for each later one, up to $4,000, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees. An isolated clerical mistake is not a knowing and intentional failure.
Household employees, temporary services employers and other remedies are not all on this page. Whether a particular statement complies is a question for the state's labor department or a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Lab. Code 226 — The itemized wage statement
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.