Run Wage and Hour Timekeeping Audit Checklist — Free

Audit Scope and Employee Sample

Audit period documented

Record the start and end dates of the payroll period(s) reviewed.

Employee sample size captured

Enter the number of employees and time records reviewed.

Note (optional)

Work locations and departments identified

Select all locations or departments included in the audit.

Note (optional)

Applicable state wage-and-hour rules considered critical (required)

Confirm whether state-specific overtime, meal break, rest break, and recordkeeping rules were reviewed in addition to FLSA requirements.

Yes No N/A

Timekeeping Record Accuracy

Clock-in and clock-out times recorded for each shift critical (required)

Each shift reviewed shows complete start and end times, including meal periods where applicable.

Yes No N/A

Manual edits are supported by documented reason and approval critical (required)

Any timecard edits, overrides, or exceptions have a documented explanation and supervisor or payroll approval.

Yes No N/A

Missed punches or exceptions are resolved before payroll close

Missed punches, duplicate punches, and other exceptions are corrected in a timely manner before wages are paid.

Yes No N/A

Time records match payroll hours paid critical (required)

Recorded hours worked align with hours paid, including regular time, overtime, and premium pay where applicable.

Yes No N/A

Timekeeping system captures all work locations and mobile work

The system captures work performed away from the primary worksite, including travel time, remote work, and offsite assignments when compensable.

Yes No N/A

Overtime Calculation and Approval

Overtime hours calculated using the correct workweek critical (required)

Overtime is calculated on a fixed, recurring 7-day workweek and not averaged across multiple weeks.

Yes No N/A

Overtime premium paid for all hours over 40 in the workweek or as required by state law critical (required)

Employees received the correct overtime premium for all applicable hours, including any state-specific daily overtime rules.

Yes No N/A

Overtime approval process is documented

Supervisory approval requirements exist for overtime, but payment is still made for all hours worked even if approval was not obtained.

Yes No N/A

Blended or multiple rates handled correctly

When employees worked at more than one rate, the overtime rate was calculated correctly using the applicable regular rate method.

Yes No N/A

Bonus, shift differential, and nondiscretionary pay included in regular rate when required critical (required)

Nondiscretionary compensation is included in the regular rate calculation for overtime where required.

Yes No N/A

Meal and Rest Break Compliance

Meal periods are recorded separately from hours worked

Meal periods appear as distinct unpaid or paid entries and are not blended into working time.

Yes No N/A

Meal period length meets applicable legal and policy requirements critical (required)

Meal periods meet the minimum duration required by company policy and any applicable state law.

Yes No N/A

Meal periods are duty-free or properly paid if interrupted critical (required)

Employees are fully relieved of duty during unpaid meal periods, or the meal period is paid when work interruptions occur.

Yes No N/A

Rest breaks are provided and paid where required

Rest breaks are available and treated as paid time when required by law or company policy.

Yes No N/A

Missed break premiums or corrections are paid when required

Any required premium pay, make-up pay, or corrective adjustment for missed breaks is documented and paid.

Yes No N/A

Off-the-Clock Work and Recordkeeping Controls

No evidence of off-the-clock work critical (required)

Interviews, time records, and supervisor practices do not indicate employees performing work before clock-in, after clock-out, or during unpaid breaks.

Yes No N/A

Pre-shift and post-shift work is captured and paid critical (required)

Time spent on opening, closing, setup, cleanup, security checks, donning and doffing, or other compensable tasks is recorded and paid when applicable.

Yes No N/A

Rounding practice is neutral over time

Any rounding method used does not systematically underpay employees and is neutral on its face and in application.

Yes No N/A

Required payroll and time records are retained critical (required)

Timecards, payroll registers, edits, approvals, and supporting records are retained for the required period under applicable law and policy.

Yes No N/A

Supervisor training on wage-and-hour rules is current

Managers and time approvers have current training on timekeeping, meal and rest breaks, overtime, and off-the-clock work prevention.

Yes No N/A

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Run: Wage and Hour Timekeeping Audit Checklist

Audit Scope and Employee Sample

Timekeeping Record Accuracy

Overtime Calculation and Approval

Meal and Rest Break Compliance

Off-the-Clock Work and Recordkeeping Controls

Get your results