Expense Reimbursement Lawyer for California Workers

Business Expenses Are Not Your Responsibility.

Under California Labor Code 2802, your employer is legally required to reimburse you for all necessary business-related expenses. If you are paying for supplies, travel, or equipment out of your own pocket to do your job, you are effectively paying your employer to work. We help you get your money back.

Stop Paying to Do Your Job

From vehicle mileage and cell phone bills to office supplies and software subscriptions—when you use your own money to fuel company profits, it’s a violation of California law. Many employers try to avoid these costs by staying silent or claiming it's "part of the job." But the law is clear: any expense required to perform your duties must be paid for by the employer. If they aren’t reimbursing you, they’re keeping your wages. It’s time to level the playing field.

Personal Vehicle Use

Your employer must reimburse you for mileage at the IRS rate (or a reasonable actual cost).

Cell Phone & Data Plans

If you are required to use your personal smartphone for work calls, emails, or apps, you must be reimbursed a reasonable percentage of your bill.

Equipment & Technology

Costs for computers, printers, specialized software, or home office gear that your employer demands you have to perform your role.

Uniforms & Maintenance

Expenses for buying required uniforms or paying for the cleaning/upkeep of those uniforms are reimbursable costs.

Licensing & Training Fees

Fees for required certifications, licenses, or professional training necessary to maintain your position with the company.

Travel & Lodging Costs

Expenses for meals, hotels, or transport during company-mandated travel must be covered in full by the employer.

"Business Costs Don't Belong on Your Personal Budget."

California Labor Code 2802 is designed to protect employees from being forced to fund their employer's overhead. When companies refuse to reimburse you, they are essentially taking an unauthorized loan from you every single month.

That is why this work matters.

We don't just look for reimbursement; we look for the interest and damages that accumulate when your employer ignores their legal duties.

“You were hired to perform a job, not to finance your employer’s operations. If you are spending your own money to help them make a profit, you are owed reimbursement.” — Avi Gholian, Founding Attorney

No Upfront Fees

We work on a contingency basis. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover your unpaid expenses and penalties.

California Law Expertise

We use Labor Code 2802 to hold companies accountable for every penny they forced you to spend out of pocket.

Strategic Pressure

Employers often ignore individual requests for reimbursement. A formal legal demand letter from our firm usually changes their mind quickly.

Our Process is Simple & Transparent

You do not need to figure this out alone. We keep the process clear, explain what matters, and help you understand what comes next.

Start with a conversation

No high-pressure sales. Just an honest talk about your situation and how we can help.

01

Start With a Conversation

We review the expenses you have been paying for and determine which ones are legally classified as "necessary business expenses."

02

Review the Records

We examine your receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any employment agreements that mention expense policies.

03

Build the Claim

We categorize and total your expenses, adding in legal interest and potential penalties for non-payment.

04

Push for Recovery

We pursue your employer to ensure they not only pay back what they owe but also update their practices to comply with California law.

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Ready to Speak Up?

You’re here to work, not to invest in your employer’s business. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We fight for your rights on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

Common Questions About Reimbursement in California

What exactly is a "necessary business expense"?
Under Labor Code 2802, a necessary expense is any expenditure incurred by an employee in the direct consequence of the discharge of their duties. If the job requires it, the employer must pay for it.
Yes. Working from home does not remove your employer’s obligation to reimburse you for business expenses. If you pay for home internet, a dedicated line, or office equipment to perform your job, those are reimbursable expenses.
While many companies have internal policies requiring “pre-approval,” the law requires them to reimburse necessary expenses that they knew or had reason to know you were incurring. You cannot be denied reimbursement simply because you didn’t fill out a specific form, provided the expense was necessary for your work.
Yes. There is no “minimum amount” threshold for reimbursement. Even small, recurring costs like monthly software subscriptions or data fees add up over time. If it’s an expense required by your employer, it’s reimbursable.
They can, but the amount must actually cover the costs incurred. If your employer provides a $50 monthly phone stipend, but your data and work-use costs are $150, they are still liable for the remaining $100.
While receipts are the best evidence, they aren’t the only way to prove a claim. We can use credit card statements, bank records, and internal company communications to build a strong case for the expenses you incurred.
No. Asking to be reimbursed for business expenses is a protected activity. It is illegal for your employer to punish, demote, or terminate you for requesting the reimbursement that the law guarantees you.