Unpaid Wages & Overtime in Utah What Workers And Employers Must Know
A plain-English guide to what counts as unpaid wages, the records to keep, demand letters, where to file, deadlines, and penalties
Utah Law Explained gives you clear steps to recover pay you earned. If you worked in Utah and your employer did not pay correctly, whether it is missing wages, unpaid overtime, or a bounced check, you have options.
This page explains exactly what counts as unpaid wages, which records to keep, how to send a demand letter, when to file state or federal claims, what deadlines apply, and the penalties employers can face. It is written for hourly workers short on overtime, salaried employees denied commissions, and contractors facing nonpayment, with Utah specific context so you know what to expect.
What Counts As Unpaid Wages In Utah
These are common categories that can support a Utah wage claim.
Regular Pay Not Paid
Hourly or salary that you earned but did not receive, including payroll errors not corrected quickly.
Overtime
1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for most jobs covered by the FLSA.
Commissions, Bonuses, Tips
Amounts promised by the employer and earned under your agreement or policy.
Final Paychecks
Utah requires payment within 24 hours if fired, and by the next regular payday if you quit.
Bounced Checks
Checks that are returned or any failure to release funds that were due.
Records To Gather Before You Act
Start a simple folder. Good documentation strengthens your claim and speeds resolution.
Make copies. Keep originals when possible. A short timeline of what happened and when will help any investigator or attorney.
Demand Letter, Where To File, And What Happens Next
Step 1 – Demand Letter
Step 2 – File A Claim (Utah)
Step 3 – File A Claim (Federal)
Deadlines And Penalties
Step By Step: Your Utah Wage Claim
Gather Proof
Collect pay stubs, schedules, time logs, and written pay promises. Build a brief timeline.
Send A Demand Letter
Specify amounts and dates. Give 7 to 10 days for payment and state you will file a claim if unpaid.
Choose State Or Federal
Utah Labor Commission for most wage claims. U.S. DOL if your claim involves FLSA overtime or minimum wage.
Investigation And Resolution
Agencies review records, contact your employer, and may order payment plus penalties or damages.
Collect And Prevent Repeat Issues
Follow instructions to collect payment. Keep consistent time records going forward and confirm pay policies in writing.
Need Help Applying This To Your Situation?
If your case involves a larger amount, complex pay rules, or concerns about retaliation, speaking with a Utah employment attorney can help you avoid mistakes.
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Key Takeaways
Unpaid wages can include regular pay, overtime, commissions, bonuses, tips, and final paychecks.
Send a clear demand letter, then file with the Utah Labor Commission or U.S. DOL if unpaid.
Deadlines matter. Utah is typically 1 year. Federal FLSA is 2 years or 3 years if willful.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Consider counsel before you file.
Next Step
If you are ready to move forward, organize your records, send a demand, and choose the right filing path.
Book A Wage Claim ConsultWe can help you confirm what counts as unpaid wages, choose state or federal filing, and avoid missed deadlines.