WORK EXPENSES & REIMBURSEMENTS
California law requires employers to reimburse workers for all necessary business expenses — including mileage, phone use, tools, uniforms, and more.
If you paid out‑of‑pocket for work, you may be owed compensation.
Some examples of expenses that an employer may be required to reimburse include:
Mileage: If an employee is required to use their personal vehicle for work-related travel, the employer must reimburse them for the cost of gas and other vehicle expenses, such as maintenance and repairs.
Travel expenses: If an employee is required to travel for work, the employer must reimburse them for expenses such as lodging, meals, and transportation.
Equipment and supplies: If an employee is required to purchase tools, equipment, or supplies for their job, the employer must reimburse them for the cost of those items.
Cell phone and internet usage: If an employee is required to use their personal cell phone or internet for work-related purposes, the employer must reimburse them for the cost of those services.
Uniforms and protective gear: If an employee is required to wear a uniform or protective gear for their job, the employer must provide and maintain those items at no cost to the employee.
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How Mauro Law Helps
Workers can recover the full amount of unpaid expenses — plus interest — and in some cases, additional penalties.
We investigate whether your employer failed to reimburse required expenses and determine how much you may be owed. Many of these cases become class actions, especially when multiple workers were affected.
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Common Employer Violations
Not reimbursing mileage or gas
Requiring employees to use personal phones without compensation
Making workers buy uniforms or tools
Ignoring wear‑and‑tear on personal vehicles
Paying a “flat rate” that doesn’t cover actual expenses
No reimbursement policy at all
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Did you pay for any of the following out of your own pocket?
Gas or mileage
Car repairs
Cell phone usage
Tools or equipment
Uniforms or safety gear
Internet or home office supplies
If yes →you may have a case.
