Illegal Pay Deductions in Massachusetts

With limited exceptions, employers cannot make deductions from employees paychecks in Massachusetts. Here are some examples of illegal versus legal deductions:

Illegal:
Business expenses
Damages
Uniforms

Legal:
Child support
Taxes (income tax withheld, medicare, FICA)
Insurance and retirement accounts (and similar accounts), as requested by employee
Student loan garnishment. Subject to 15 percent limit of gross pay.
Lawsuit garnishment. Subject to 15 percent limit of gross pay.
Clear and established debt owed employer.