North Carolina: final paycheck rules
When your employer must hand over your last paycheck if you are fired or quit, and whether unused vacation must be paid out.
Single detailed source| Deadline if you are fired or laid off | Next regular payday |
|---|---|
| Deadline if you quit | Next regular payday |
| Unused vacation pay | Yes if promised by policy |
| Law | N.C.G.S. 95-25.7 |
If your employer misses the deadline, you can file a wage claim with your state labor department; many states add penalties. Federal law has no final-pay deadline.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in North Carolina.
Also for North Carolina: Discrimination deadlines in North Carolina · Paid leave programs in North Carolina · Minimum wage in North Carolina · Paid sick leave in North Carolina · State income tax in North Carolina · Right-to-work laws in North Carolina · Tipped minimum wage in North Carolina · Payday frequency in North Carolina · Rest break laws in North Carolina · State EITC in North Carolina
How we checked this
Deadlines come from a statute-cited 50-state final pay survey updated in 2026. States with no final-pay statute are shown as having no deadline. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.