Payment of Wages: Georgia

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

Author: Vicki M. Lambert, The Payroll Advisor

Summary

• Employers in Georgia may pay wages to employees in cash, by check, direct deposit or payroll card, if certain requirements are met. Penalties are imposed for noncompliance. See Wage Payment Methods.
• In Georgia, nonexempt employees must be paid at least twice a month. Different rules apply to exempt employees. See Pay Frequency.
• With employees' consent, Georgia law allows employers to deduct union dues from employees' pay. See Permitted and Prohibited Wage Deductions.
• Certain employers must provide each employee with a pay statement with every payment of wages. Each pay statement must include certain information. Penalties are imposed for violations. See Pay Statement Requirements.
• After the death of an employee, employers must follow a specific set of rules in order to properly turn over any compensation owed to the deceased employee's estate or survivors. See Deceased Employee Wages.
• Wages that are unclaimed are considered abandoned property after one year. Employers must file an annual report of unclaimed wages and provide notification to affected employees that wages will be reported to the state. Penalties are imposed for noncompliance. See Unclaimed Wages.