I received a e-mail from my company stating that a spot bonus that I received was an overpayment. I queried the bonus when I received it, identifying the amount of the bonus and it was confirmed that the amount was correct. After I confirmed the amount, I utilized the money paying off debt. Am I required to pay back the overpayment? Where can I find labor laws on overpayments? What action can the company take to get the overpayment back? I want to be on good terms with my company and I don't want this to jeopardize my job, but I don't have the money to pay them back. Please advise.

Thanks.

Under California law, an employer cannot take an overpayment back. However, they may be able to pursuit it through the civil court system. You can talk to the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Their website is at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Paydays.htm

Thanks, you have saved me from paying a lawyer.

What about in Texas?

Texas is very different. An employer can recover the overpayment.

I received in overpayment on a bonus in virginia, do you know what the rules are about overpayment or where I can find them.

The following site can give you information about Virginia labor laws: http://www.doli.state.va.us/whatwedo/labor_law/lla_p2.html