Direct Deposit Reversal
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Direct Deposit Reversal
My previous employer sent me an item to be used for work and since my employment has ended, they’ve asked for it back claiming it belongs to the client. I have no problem returning the item but instead of giving me instructions on how to return it or putting forth any effort to obtain the item, they immediately began threatening to reverse my last direct deposit 3 days ago. If they did that, I will have received no compensation for the time I worked during that pay period. I am currently trying to contact someone at the company who has some common sense, but until then, can they really reverse my direct deposit?
Asked on July 14, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
No, they legally may NOT do this: an employer cannot withold, debit, or reclaim any part of an employee's pay without 1) employee consent, or 2) a court (or IRS) order to do so, like court-ordered wage garnishment for child support. This is the case even if the employee owes them something. If you were to refuse or fail to return the item, they could sue you for it--that is their legal option. And if they illegal take back money, you could sue them, for the wrongly reclaimed money and other direct costs (e.g. if due to this, you incur late charges or NSF fees on any bills or checks) it causes you. (Suing in small claims court, as your own attorney or "pro se," is likely a good option if this occurs.)
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