Can I provide my employees with their pay stubs electronically?

Yes. Employers may provide electronic pay stubs, subject to certain conditions.

California Labor Code Section 226(a) requires wage statements to be in writing, but a Labor Commissioner opinion letter permits electronic delivery with limitations.

Under Labor Commissioner Opinion Letter 2006.07.06, employers may issue electronic wage statements if:

  • Employees can opt to receive paper statements;
  • Statements include all information required by Section 226(a);
  • Employees can easily access and print statements at no cost;
  • Records are retained for at least three years and remain accessible to current and former employees; and
  • Appropriate safeguards protect confidentiality (for example, secure logins or PINs).

Opinion letters do not have the force of law and may be subject to court interpretation or legislative change.

Employers should consult legal counsel before implementing electronic wage statements.

Read about Form of Wage Payment in the HR Library.

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