Minnesota § 181.03 - CERTAIN ACTS RELATING TO PAYMENT OF WAGES UNLAWFUL

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 181.03 — CERTAIN ACTS RELATING TO PAYMENT OF WAGES UNLAWFUL, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 181.03. CERTAIN ACTS RELATING TO PAYMENT OF WAGES UNLAWFUL

Subdivision 1.Prohibited practices.

An employer may not, directly or indirectly and with intent to defraud:

(1) cause any employee to give a receipt for wages for a greater amount than that actually paid to the employee for services rendered;

(2) directly or indirectly demand or receive from any employee any rebate or refund from the wages owed the employee under contract of employment with the employer; or

(3) in any manner make or attempt to make it appear that the wages paid to any employee were greater than the amount actually paid to the employee.

Subd. 2.Commissions.

Except as otherwise provided in section 181.13, an employer or a person, firm, corporation, or association may not alter the method of payment, timing of payment, or procedures for payment of commissions earned through the last day of employment after the employee has resigned or been terminated if the result is to delay or reduce the amount of payment.

Subd. 3.Civil action.

An employer who violates this section is liable in a civil action brought by the employee for twice the amount in dispute.

Subd. 4.Enforcement.

The use of an enforcement provision in this section shall not preclude the use of any other enforcement provision provided by law.

Subd. 5.Effect on other laws.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the application of other state or federal laws.

Subd. 6.Retaliation.

An employer shall not discharge, discipline, penalize, interfere with, threaten, restrain, coerce, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against an employee for asserting rights or remedies under this section, sections 177.21 to 177.44, 181.01 to 181.723, or 181.79, including, but not limited to, filing a complaint with the department or telling the employer of the employee's intention to file a complaint. In addition to any other remedies provided by law, an employer who violates this subdivision is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $700 nor more than $3,000 per violation.

History:

(4134-1) 1933 c 249; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 386 s 9; 1997 c 83 s 2; 2001 c 199 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 7 art 3 s 8-10; 2023 c 53 art 11 s 21

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 181.03

What does Minnesota Statutes § 181.03 cover?

Section 181.03 ("CERTAIN ACTS RELATING TO PAYMENT OF WAGES UNLAWFUL") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 181.03?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 181.03" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 181.03 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.