Short version:
As a salaried employee I received a $500.00 Christmas bonus during the final '08 pay period. It was a check that was written separate from payroll and I have a copy of it. The memo line states "X-mas Bonus". Two weeks or so later I received a job offer and gave my two-weeks notice. My final check was half of a two-week pay period and I expected half of my regular salary as a result. I received my check today and it shows a "Payroll Advance" in the amount of $500.00 as a deduction. I never took a payroll advance and believe this to be their way of taking back the bonus. Is this legal and, if it's not, what records might I need to prove I never received a payroll advance? Keep in mind, the company is an independently owned convenience store. Thanks in advance.
-James

You can certainly file a claim for unpaid wages (if deducted from gross pay) or an unauthorized payroll deduction (if deducted from net pay--after taxes) with the state Dept. of Labor.