Is My California Employer Required To Reimburse Me For Work-From-Home Expenses?
Many companies in California and across the country switched to remote working after the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. If you are one of the millions of employees forced to work from home because of the pandemic, you may wonder, “Is my employer required to reimburse me for the expenses I incur while working from home?”
Since most employees are not fully aware of all the protections provided by California labor law, it is important to speak with an employment lawyer to understand your rights when working from home.
Consult with our Los Angeles employment lawyer to determine if your employer has a legal obligation to reimburse you for your work-from-home expenses.
Are Employers Required to Reimburse Employees for Work-from-Home Expenses?
California Labor Code § 2802 requires employers to reimburse employees for any necessary expenses incurred while working. The following expenses — incurred when working from home or in an office setting — may be considered necessary and thus subject to reimbursement from the employer:
- Work-related phone bills and Internet expenses if you have to use your Internet at home or your personal cellphone to perform job duties
- The cost of purchasing a laptop, personal computer, tablet, printer, or other equipment required to work from home
- The fees associated with software and applications required for work
- Office supplies
- Mileage reimbursement if you must use your personal motor vehicle for work purposes
California law requires employers to reimburse workers for the expenses they incur while performing their job duties, including when working remotely.
What Do I Do if My Employer Refuses to Reimburse Me for My Work-from-Home Expenses?
It is not uncommon for employers to refuse to reimburse workers for expenses incurred outside of the workplace. If this happened to you, you should assert your rights to make sure that you are fully reimbursed for the necessary expenses while working from home.
It is illegal for an employer to fire employees or otherwise retaliate against them for asserting legal rights. When an employer refuses to reimburse an employee for reasonable and necessary work-related expenses, they can face:
- Civil penalties for violating the law
- Liability for the work-related expenses in addition to interest
- Attorney’s fees if a worker brings a civil claim against the employer for violating their rights
Contact a skilled employment lawyer if you believe that your employer has violated your rights by refusing to compensate you for your work-from-home or other work-related expenses.
Talk to a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer Today
If you are working from home and incurred job-related expenses while performing your duties at home, you are entitled to reimbursement for these expenses. Our employment lawyer at Litigation, P.C., are committed to protecting the rights of work-from-home employees in Los Angeles and across California.
We can help you assert your rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for all the necessary work-related expenses incurred while working from home. Speak with our attorney at Litigation, P.C., to discuss your legal rights as a remote worker in California. Call 424-284-2401 for a consultation.
