Can my employer deduct money from my paycheck in Arizona?

Question

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. In Arizona, an employer may not withhold or divert any portion of your wages unless one of three exceptions applies :

1. Legally required or permitted withholding — the employer is required or empowered to make the deduction by state or federal law .
2. Your prior written authorization — the employer has written authorization from you; however, the employer must stop withholding under that authorization after the date you specify in a written revocation, unless the withholding resolves a debt or obligation to the employer or a court orders otherwise .
3. Good-faith dispute — there is a reasonable good-faith dispute about the amount of wages due, including any counterclaim or claim of debt, reimbursement, recoupment, or set-off the employer asserts against you .

If none of these exceptions applies to your situation, the deduction is not permitted under this statute . For advice about your specific circumstances, consider consulting a licensed Arizona attorney.