Home – Expense Reimbursement
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. California Labor Code § 2802 requires employers to reimburse employees for necessary expenditures or losses incurred because of their job duties. A California expense reimbursement attorney can review receipts, mileage, phone use, equipment costs, and other work-related expenses to determine whether reimbursement may be owed.
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. The Ghol Firm helps California employees, including workers in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, evaluate unreimbursed business expenses involving personal vehicles, cell phones, equipment, remote-work costs, and other required job expenses. If an employer shifts necessary business costs onto you, those expenses may fall within California’s reimbursement protections.
Your employer must reimburse you for mileage at the IRS rate (or a reasonable actual cost).
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.
Costs for computers, printers, specialized software, or home office gear that your employer demands you have to perform your role.
Expenses for buying required uniforms or paying for the cleaning/upkeep of those uniforms are reimbursable costs.
Fees for required certifications, licenses, or professional training necessary to maintain your position with the company.
Expenses for meals, hotels, or transport during company-mandated travel must be covered in full by the employer.
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
We work on a contingency basis. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover your unpaid expenses and penalties.
We use Labor Code 2802 to hold companies accountable for every penny they forced you to spend out of pocket.
Employers often ignore individual requests for reimbursement. A formal legal demand letter from our firm usually changes their mind quickly.
You do not need to figure this out alone. We keep the process clear, explain what matters, and help you understand what comes next.
No high-pressure sales. Just an honest talk about your situation and how we can help.
We review the expenses you have been paying for and determine which ones are legally classified as "necessary business expenses."
We examine your receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any employment agreements that mention expense policies.
We categorize and total your expenses, adding in legal interest and potential penalties for non-payment.
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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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.