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Wisconsin payment of wages: HR compliance guide

Explore Wisconsin wage payment rules with guidance on permitted and prohibited deductions, required pay statements, pay schedules, final pay procedures, and the handling of deceased and unclaimed wages.

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by Vicki M. Lambert, The Payroll Advisor

Ensuring accurate, compliant wage payments is essential for HR and payroll teams operating in Wisconsin.

Our guide equips HR professionals with clear, practical direction on Wisconsin’s wage payment requirements—covering wage payment methods, pay frequency rules, permitted and prohibited deductions, pay statements, final pay obligations, deceased employee wages, and unclaimed wages—to help your organization maintain consistent compliance, reduce risk, and strengthen payroll accuracy.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Definition of Wages
  • Wage Payment Methods
    • Cash or Check
    • Direct Deposit
    • Electronic Paycards
    • Penalties
  • Pay Frequency
    • Lag Time Before Pay
    • Penalties
  • Permitted and Prohibited Wage Deductions
    • Penalties
  • Pay Statement Requirements
    • Electronic Pay Statements
  • Final Pay
    • Accrued Vacation Time
    • Penalties
  • Deceased Employee Wages
  • Unclaimed Wages
    • Definitions
    • When Property Is Presumed Abandoned (Dormancy Period)
    • Reporting Requirements
    • Required Records
    • Notice to Employee
    • Dormancy Charge
    • Penalties and Enforcement
  • Future Developments

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

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Jurisdiction: Wisconsin

Latest updates

Updated to reflect that the unclaimed property voluntary disclosure program has been made permanent, effective for applications received starting June 1, 2024.

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