Employers make most wage deductions for taxes, benefits, and other mandatory withholdings. However, in some cases, employers may deduct wages voluntarily as well. For example, an employer may agree to deduct union dues from an employee’s wages.

There are also wage deductions that an employer cannot make without the employee’s consent. These wage deductions are usually for the benefit of the employee.

In Connecticut, wage deductions are governed by state law. The Connecticut wage deduction law protects employees from unlawful deductions from their paychecks. Under the law, employers can make certain types of employee wage deductions. However, there are limits on how much can be deducted and what types of deductions are allowed.

The Connecticut wage deduction law applies to all employers, regardless of size. However, some exemptions exist for certain businesses, such as religious and non-profit organizations.

Why are wage deductions allowed?

Wage deductions are allowed because they are necessary for the operation of the business. For example, wage deductions are made for taxes, benefits, and other mandatory withholdings. Wage deductions, such as health insurance or a 401(k) plan, are also made for the employee’s benefit.

Examples of legal Wage Deductions

Employers make the most common wage deductions for taxes, benefits, and other mandatory withholdings. These wage deductions are generally required by law and cannot be waived by the employee.

Some examples of mandatory wage deductions include:

– Federal income tax

– Social Security tax

– Medicare tax

– State income tax

– Local taxes

– Unemployment insurance taxes

– Workers’ compensation insurance premiums

In addition to these mandatory deductions, employers may also deduct other amounts from an employee’s wages if the employee agrees to the deduction.

However, there are limits on how much can be deducted and what types of deductions are allowed. For instance, an employer cannot deduct more than 10% of an employee’s gross wages for health insurance premiums. Additionally, wage deductions for child support or alimony payments cannot exceed 60% of an employee’s gross wages.

Examples of illegal wage deductions

Some wage deductions are never allowed, even if the employee agrees. These wage deductions are usually for the employer’s benefit, such as business expenses or cash shortages.

Some examples of illegal wage deductions include:

– Business expenses

– Cash shortages

– Property damage

– Uniforms or equipment

If an employer deducts any of these unauthorized expenses from an employee’s wages, the employee can file a wage claim with the Connecticut Department of Labor.

The wage claim must be filed within two years of the deduction date. If the wage claim is successful, the employer will be ordered to pay back the amount unlawfully deducted from the employee’s wages.

What can you do if your employer makes illegal wage deductions?

If you believe your employer has made an unauthorized deduction from your wages, you should contact a wage and hour attorney to discuss your legal options. An experienced wage and hour attorney can help you recover the unlawfully deducted wages and take other action against the employer, if necessary.

Connecticut wage laws protect employees from unlawful deductions from their paychecks. However, even if the employee agrees, some wage deductions are never allowed. If you believe your employer has made an unauthorized deduction from your wages, you should contact a wage and hour attorney to discuss your legal options. An experienced wage and hour attorney can help you recover the unlawfully deducted wages and take other action against the employer, if necessary.

What can an experienced employment attorney do for you?

Wage and hour laws are complex, and filing a wage claim can be confusing. An experienced wage and hour attorney can help you navigate the wage claim process and ensure that your rights are protected. A wage and hour attorney can also help you recover the unlawfully deducted wages and take other action against the employer, if necessary.

What results could you expect?

If your wage claim is successful, the employer will be ordered to pay back the amount unlawfully deducted from your wages. Additionally, the employer may be required to pay interest on the unpaid wages and may be subject to penalties. Sometimes, the employer may also be required to pay your attorney’s fees.

Taking legal action against illegal wage deductions

If you believe your employer has made an unauthorized deduction from your wages, contact a wage and hour attorney today to discuss your legal options.

Speak to the workplace retaliation lawyers at Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau LLC to arrange a consultation and case assessment.