Overpaid Commission

Got an unfortunate call today saying that I was overpaid on my commissions this year and will need to somehow pay it back by either working off the difference or giving the company a check. Has anyone had this situation before and can tell me how best to navigate?

💰 Compensation
12
SaaSam
Politicker
5
Account Executive
Bank error in your favor, collect 200 dollars.

Monopoly, so full of lies.
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
I think we discussed it before. When we know we are overpaid, it's better not to spend that as you have to return it. Haven't been in that situation but you have only 2 options to choose from.

I had a friend who was overpaid but the amount was below $2k and he had to pay it (your 2nd option was not even given). Just make sure your your tax documents are corrected by your employer or you will end up paying what you haven't earned.
JDialz
Politicker
3
Chief Operating Officer
My company used to fuck this up every quarter. EVERY SINGLE QUARTER! 

Thank god it hasn't happened since 'Nam, but yeah I have experienced it. My options were to: A) go in the hole to start the next quarter, or B) cut a check.

I chose to start in the negatives and just work my way out. I didn't get paid the first month of the next Q, but was back on track the following month. It sucked, but I wasn't a total dipshit who went and blew my whole load after getting what was later apparently an overpayment.

Sorry this happened to you, Bears.
gobears17
Acclaimed Answer
2
Growth Account Executive
Thanks @JDialz and @Diablo! Unfortunately, the error has been for over 6 months worth of payouts - and from what I can see - aligns with the commission agreement I signed but was an error. I think I'm going to find an employment attorney to talk about what my options could be. Thank you for your help!
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
How much cash we talking about here? There is likely nothing a lawyer could do about a clerical error. If you really want to fight it just quit, throw your phone in a river, and head for the border
Filth
Politicker
3
Live Filthy or Die Clean
Sage Advise!
Do.it.for.the.checks
Politicker
1
Account Executive
If it aligns with the signed agreement, you have a case.

If Payroll fucked up, you don't. This happened to an old colleague where they miscalculated his 401k match on some big opportunities. And created a whole shitfest of tax implications when he had to pay them back
TheIncarceration
Politicker
0
SDR Manager
Holy shit, how did they mess it up that bad? At this point you should just bounce and go off the grid lol
MonthEndSpecial
Valued Contributor
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Go on LinkedIn and tell a story about how your company gave a gift in your commission check to help pay for the hospital bills of your sick kid. Tag the people you know who are in HR. Should be fun to watch them sweat that.


Gottapumpthosenumbers
Opinionated
1
Biz Dev
This made me audibly lol. Kudos
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
Double check before you do anything. 
Gottapumpthosenumbers
Opinionated
1
Biz Dev
As others have said, if it's just a clerical error there's not much you can do to fight it. Now, if they're changing a comp plan on you retroactively without your signature, that's a different story.
SalesSage
Valued Contributor
0
National Account Manager
I had thought legally once paid and the pay period had closed that the employer had no option to request it back.  I don't know that you want to push the legal aspect but it couldn't hurt to know where you stand when responding.  
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
Check your contract amigo! 
LordOfWar
Tycoon
0
Blow it up
Crypto that shit and keep the gains.
CameFortheChips
Good Citizen
0
Senior Sales Director
Lawyer up!
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
Tell them you send it. So they have to meet you in the middle. It was their mistake. 

make sure you do not have to pay back all of it. 
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