Tennessee: 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 or within 21 days, whichever is later |
|---|---|
| Deadline if you quit | Same |
| Unused vacation pay | If owed under policy |
| Law | Tenn. Code 50-2-103 |
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 Tennessee.
Also for Tennessee: Discrimination deadlines in Tennessee · Paid leave programs in Tennessee · Minimum wage in Tennessee · Paid sick leave in Tennessee · State income tax in Tennessee · Right-to-work laws in Tennessee · Tipped minimum wage in Tennessee · Payday frequency in Tennessee · Rest break laws in Tennessee · State EITC in Tennessee
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.