Is it legal for an employer to deduct money from your paycheck for a business expense that you did not have a purchase order submitted for?
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Is it legal for an employer to deduct money from your paycheck for a business expense that you did not have a purchase order submitted for?
There is nothing in the employee handbook about any related policy and the item purchased was listed on a separate line item in an approved budget.
Asked on December 10, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Employers may never deduct from an employee's paycheck, other than as required by law (such as FICA or court-ordered wage garnishment) or as the employee consents to (such as health insurance deductions). If the employer believes you owe it money or incurred an unauthorized expense, it may sue you for that money in court (where it would have to prove that you deliberately or negligently cost it money); it may also terminate you, unless you have a written employment contract that would protect you in this circumstance.
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