Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers proudly supports Tacoma workers who have been forced to cover on-the-job expenses due to unreimbursed expense claims. This refusal to approve compensation often goes against Washington and Federal labor laws. If this has happened to you and you want to know how to hold your employer financially accountable, contact us today for a free consultation.

Do I Need an Employment Lawyer to Recover Unreimbursed Expense Claims?

Paying business expenses out of your own wallet and then being told your company won’t repay you would leave anyone feeling powerless.

You may have spent money to make purchases that clearly fall within the scope of your job duties. You may have put a business trip or work supplies on your personal credit card. If your employer denies responsibility for the charges, you could suddenly have to deal with an unexpected and large financial loss.

A skilled Tacoma Employment Attorney can help you secure what you are owed and safeguard you during the legal process. These are just a few of the reasons having a lawyer in your corner may be critical to your case:

  • Fully investigates your case and backs it with evidence
  • Examines federal, state, city, and company rules pertaining to business expense reimbursement to make sure your employer is accountable for all violations
  • Demands the maximum in compensation available on your behalf
  • Protects you from intimidation and threats from your employer
  • Protects you if your job is in jeopardy simply because you reported a violation
  • Takes on corporate lawyers representing your employer
  • Your lawyer represents the threat of a lawsuit to pressure companies to settle with you rather than face a costly trial

Having a skilled Tacoma Unreimbursed Expense Claims Lawyer on your side may be an important precaution. It could be the only path to earning full reimbursement while staying absolutely protected. With evidence in hand, we demand the return of your hard-earned money and other benefits for the ordeal you’ve been put through.

We Help Tacoma Workers Recover Job Expenses

Washington statutes and federal labor laws offer basic protections for employees who are refused repayment for certain business costs. Company policy can also promise certain reimbursements in employment contracts. In some cases, a boss may have requested that an employee cover certain expenses with the promise of a refund. Bosses should be held liable for verbal commitments as well.

These broken promises are grounds for claims and lawsuits. Companies and corporations can get into legal trouble when they go back on their word once a purchase has already been made.

These are just some of the expenses that employees working in Washington should expect reimbursement for:

  • Vehicle Expenses, Mileage, and Fuel Costs: Money to pay for the upkeep of your personal vehicle used for work purposes or for maintaining a work-provided vehicle. Compensation for the money you spend to fill your tank with gas. Money for the mileage and wear and tear you put on your own vehicle.
  • Business Travel Costs – Money for airfare and other transportation. Reimbursement for lodging costs, food, and other expenses related to your business trip.
  • Home Office/Work From Home Expenses – Recoverable expenses may include the cost of office supplies, computers, and any materials used in their daily tasks. Even rent and utilities could be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Equipment and Supplies – Anything you require in order to complete your job duties. Anything from power tools to paper clips.
  • Certification and Course Costs – Any costs associated with certifications that allow you to do your job. That may include the costs of safety training and classes that let you advance in your profession.
  • Minimum Wage Violations – Failing to reimburse workers for expenses can mean their pay drops below the State’s or Tacoma’s set minimum wage. This might lead to wage theft violations, punishment for the employer, and additional compensation for victims.

The duties of employers to fairly refund their employees can vary by company and profession. However, A skilled  Employment Lawyer can go over corporate policies, citywide employment protections, Washington State labor laws, and Federal law to build a strong case for you. By putting pressure on your employer, we set out to recover 100% of what was taken from you and in some cases, more.

U.S. Worker Expense Claims Protections

On top of local and state protections, the Federal Government also enforces certain worker protections in every state.

The laws cover some of the business expenses that should be compensated by all companies

26 U.S. Code § 162 – Trade or Business Expenses:

“(a)In general

There shall be allowed as a deduction all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business, including—

(1) a reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation for personal services actually rendered;

(2) traveling expenses (including amounts expended for meals and lodging other than amounts which are lavish or extravagant under the circumstances) while away from home in the pursuit of a trade or business; and

(3) rentals or other payments required to be made as a condition to the continued use or possession, for purposes of the trade or business, of property to which the taxpayer has not taken or is not taking title or in which he has no equity.”

Businesses can violate city, state, and federal laws when denying reimbursement to employees. In some cases, corporations may be guilty of breaking several sets of statutes. Employers can also ignore their company’s own policies on refundable expenses. These cases can hinge on the fine print in laws and company guidelines. Our attorneys can help you untangle these complex cases and make sure your money is returned.

Contact a Tacoma Unreimbursed Expenses Lawyer Today

If your employer isn’t reimbursing you for all business expenses, you have legal rights that need to be protected. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’re here to help you make sure you get paid. We take up the fight until you receive what you are owed. We help victims of wage theft in Tacoma and across all of Pierce County.

At the same time, we safeguard your job security and shield you from any retaliation. Our Tacoma team knows the city, state, and U.S. labor laws and will work hard to hold your employer accountable. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.