Have you ever been expected to cover the cost of on-the-job expenses such as gas mileage and personal cellphone use? Have you been required to purchase your own tools or uniform? Under California law, these practices are often illegal – but unfortunately they remain common.

In most cases, when you cover costs on your employer’s behalf, you should expect to be compensated. To help you learn more about this issue, I recently published a new white paper titled “Can They Make Me Pay For That? Work-Related Expenses And Reimbursement.” It provides a starting point for answering some of the questions that may be on your mind, such as:

  • Do I have a right to reimbursement?
  • What if I agreed to cover the costs?
  • Can I get fired if I ask to be paid back?
  • How long do I have to request reimbursement?

If you are covering costs for your employer without reimbursement, it means the company is shifting its overhead costs onto you – and you don’t have to stand for it. I encourage you to take a look at this free white paper to learn more about your reimbursement rights and how to protect them.

Published: January 28, 2016

Updated: March 28, 2025


This is attorney advertising. These posts are written on behalf of Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. and are intended solely as informational content. These blogs in no way provide specific or actionable legal advice, nor does your use of or engagement with this site establish any attorney-client relationship. Please read the disclaimer


More Insights from the TMF Blog

Wage and Hour Violations: How Los Angeles Employers Cheat Workers

Table of Contents Key Takeaways Wage theft costs California workers billions of dollars annually, with Los Angeles County experiencing some of the highest rates ...

Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles: Know Your Rights as a California Employee

Table of Contents Key Takeaways California’s employment laws provide some of the strongest worker protections in the nation, yet thousands of Los Angeles employees ...

Workplace Harassment Laws in California: What Los Angeles Employees Need to Know

Table of Contents Key Takeaways Workplace harassment remains a persistent problem in Los Angeles workplaces despite strong California laws designed to prevent it. Understanding ...