California labor laws require employers to provide employees with accurate and itemized wage statements each pay period. A wage statement—often referred to as a pay stub—must include specific information to ensure transparency and protect workers from wage theft, underpayment, or other labor violations. When employers fail to comply with these legal requirements, they not only violate state law but may also face serious penalties and legal action.

If you have been provided inaccurate wage statements and facing underpayment, contact our Orange County wage and hour attorneys today. Call Aegis Law Firm at (949) 379-6250 today.

Failure to Issue Accurate Wage Statements in California

What Must Be Included in a California Wage Statement?

Under California Labor Code Section 226, employers must provide wage statements that include the following:

Gross wages earned
Total hours worked (for non-exempt employees)
All deductions
Net wages earned
Pay period start and end dates
Employee’s name and the last four digits of their Social Security number or employee ID
Employer’s name and address
Hourly rates and hours worked at each rate

For piece-rate or commission-based employees, employers must also detail the applicable rate and number of units earned. These wage statements must be provided every pay period and must be accurate, legible, and complete.

Common Wage Statement Violations

Employers often make errors on wage statements that can result in labor code violations, including:

Failing to list total hours worked
Omitting overtime pay or misclassifying it
Leaving out the employer’s address
Providing incorrect pay period dates
Using generic templates that lack required details
Misidentifying deductions or failing to show them at all

Even unintentional errors can result in legal liability. California law recognizes that inaccurate wage statements can harm employees by making it difficult to confirm proper payment, challenge wage theft, or understand deductions.

Penalties for Employers

Employers who fail to issue accurate wage statements may face penalties under Labor Code § 226(e). Employees may be awarded:

Up to $50 for the initial pay period violation
Up to $100 for each subsequent violation,
Up to a maximum of $4,000 per employee

In addition, employers may be responsible for paying court costs and attorney’s fees if the employee prevails in legal action. In more severe cases involving intentional fraud or wage theft, further damages may be pursued under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

Types of Damages Available in Wage Statement Violation Claims

If the inaccurate wage statements cause measurable harm—such as difficulty obtaining credit, financial loss, or inability to confirm proper payment—employees may recover actual damages resulting from the violation. You also may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and the costs of litigation.

How an Orange County Wage & Hour Employment Lawyer Can Help

If you suspect your wage statements are inaccurate or incomplete, an experienced Orange County employment lawyer can help protect your rights. They will:

Review your wage statements and pay records for violations
Advise you on your legal options, including filing a complaint with the Labor Commissioner or pursuing a civil lawsuit
Help you recover unpaid wages, penalties, and damages
Represent you in court or in settlement negotiations
Protect you from employer retaliation

Wage statement violations are not minor technicalities—they affect your ability to verify your earnings and protect your livelihood. A knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you take action and hold your employer accountable. Contact us to discuss your legal options today.