Can an employer take payroll deductions for meals and lodging?
A. Yes, when meals and lodging are for the private benefit of the employee. In that case, meals and lodging purchased by the employer may be deducted from the paycheck as long as the employee has voluntarily signed an authorization. When the employee lives on the employer´s premises as a job requirement, lodging is not for the employee´s private benefit. In this case minimum wage must be paid in addition to the value of the lodging. As long as minimum wage is not violated, the employee may authorize payroll deductions for lodging.
