Deductions from Wages for Faulty Workmanship, Loss, Theft, or Damage

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In Wisconsin, you can only deduct for loss, theft, damage, or faulty workmanship if your employee authorizes the deduction in writing after the incident happens and before any deductions are taken.

You may not make any deduction from the wages earned by any employee for faulty workmanship, lost or stolen property, or damage to property, unless:

Your employee provides you with authorization in writing to make that deduction;

You and a representative designated by the employee determine that the faulty workmanship, loss, theft, or damage was due to the employee's negligence, carelessness, or willful and intentional conduct; or

Your employee is found guilty or held liable in a court of law.

If an unauthorized deduction is made, you may be liable for twice the amount of the deduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

May I require my employees to sign a "blanket" authorization to deduct for loss, theft, damage, or faulty workmanship?

No. You may not deny an employee the right to disagree with fault for the particular incident of loss.

May my employee authorize a deduction from wages by signing a time card, a daily checkout sheet, or by endorsing a payroll check?

No. A signature required for any other purpose (to endorse a check, to sign a time sheet) cannot serve the dual purpose of authorizing a deduction.

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