Learn How Jury Duty Payment Works

What Jury Duty Is and Why It Matters

Jury duty is a civic responsibility where ordinary citizens are called to serve on a jury in a court case. When you serve on a jury, you listen to evidence presented by both sides in a legal dispute and help decide the outcome. The U.S. legal system depends on juries made up of regular people from the community, not just judges or lawyers. This has been a cornerstone of American justice since the country's founding.

Learn About Paying Your New York City Water Bill →

There are two main types of juries. A criminal jury decides whether a person accused of a crime is guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented. A civil jury decides disputes between two parties—usually about money, contracts, or personal injury—and determines who is at fault and what compensation might be owed. Both types of juries typically have 12 members, though some cases use smaller juries with 6 members.

The jury selection process starts when courts send summonses to potential jurors. These summonses are sent randomly to registered voters, driver's license holders, or people on other official lists. When you receive a summons, you are legally required to respond, even if you cannot serve. Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines or contempt of court charges. The specific penalties vary by state and county but can range from $100 to $1,000 or more.

Being called for jury duty does not automatically mean you will serve. The court first holds a process called "voir dire," where lawyers from both sides ask potential jurors questions to determine if they can be fair and impartial. Many people are dismissed during this process, and that's completely normal. Of those summoned, typically only a small percentage actually end up serving on a jury.

Practical takeaway: Responding to a jury summons is not optional. If you receive one, respond by the deadline stated in the document, even if you need to request a postponement or explain why you cannot serve. Courts take non-response seriously and can pursue legal consequences.

How Jury Duty Payment Works in Most States

Payment for jury duty varies significantly depending on the state and county where you serve. Many people are surprised to learn that jury duty typically pays very little—often nothing for the first few days and then minimal amounts after that. According to the National Center for State Courts, compensation ranges from nothing at all to around $50 per day in some states, with most jurisdictions paying between $15 and $40 per day on average.

Get Your Free Guide to Labeling Glass Jars →

In many states, jurors receive no compensation for the first one to three days of service. After that period ends, payment typically begins. For example, some states pay $0 for the first day, then $25 for the second and third days, and $50 per day after that. Other states use different schedules. California jurors receive $15 per day for the first five days and $25 per day after that. In New York, jurors receive $15 per day for the first three days, $30 per day for days four through thirteen, and $50 per day after day thirteen.

Federal jury duty pays differently than state jury duty. Federal jurors receive $50 on day one, $50 per day for days two through ten, and $60 per day after day ten. Federal cases often last longer than state cases, so this higher pay structure reflects that reality. However, federal jury duty is less common than state jury duty.

Payment is typically issued through one of two methods: a check mailed to your home address within a few weeks after service ends, or direct deposit if you provide banking information during jury orientation. Some courts now offer prepaid cards loaded with the jury payment. You should always verify with your specific court about their payment method and timeline.

Practical takeaway: Do not expect jury duty to provide substantial income. Budget accordingly and ask your employer about jury duty leave policies. Contact your local court's jury office before your service date to learn the exact payment schedule and method used in your jurisdiction.

Tax Implications and Reporting Requirements

Jury duty payments are taxable income according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This means you must report any jury payments you receive on your federal tax return. Many people do not realize this and fail to report the income, which can lead to tax compliance issues. While the amounts are usually small, the IRS still requires them to be reported.

Free Guide to Creating Pivot Tables in Excel and Sheets →

If you serve on a jury and receive $600 or more during a tax year, the court will typically send you a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) in January of the following year. This form reports the payment to both you and the IRS. However, some courts send these forms for any amount, and others may not send them at all depending on state requirements. Even if you do not receive a Form 1099-MISC, you are still responsible for reporting the income on your tax return.

To report jury duty income on your tax return, you will typically enter it on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), which is where miscellaneous income is reported. The specific line varies depending on the tax form version and year. If you are unsure how to report this income, a tax professional or the IRS website can provide guidance. The amount may be small enough to not affect your overall tax liability, but it must still be reported.

Some people wonder if they can deduct expenses related to jury duty, such as mileage or childcare costs. Unfortunately, federal law does not allow deductions for jury duty-related expenses. However, you can deduct mileage if you were reporting the jury duty payment as self-employment income under specific circumstances, which is rare. For most jurors, the jury payment itself is reported as income with no corresponding deductions.

Practical takeaway: Keep records of any jury duty payments you receive, including the Form 1099-MISC if provided. When filing your taxes, include this income even if the amount seems small. If you have questions about how to report it, consult with a tax professional or review the IRS website for current guidance.

How Employers Handle Jury Duty and Lost Wages

Federal law prohibits employers from firing, threatening, intimidating, or penalizing an employee because they served on a jury. This protection is found in 28 U.S.C. Section 1875 for federal jury service and similar state laws for state jury service. However, this protection does not require employers to continue paying your regular salary while you serve on a jury—that is a separate matter determined by individual company policies and state laws.

Free Guide to Finding Birthday Information Online →

Most employers are not required to pay employees during jury duty. This means your paycheck may be reduced or stopped while you are serving. Some large companies and public-sector employers have policies that continue paying employees during jury service, at least for a limited time. Small businesses are particularly unlikely to have such policies, as the cost of paying an employee while they are not working can be significant for them.

A few states have passed laws requiring employers to pay for jury duty. For example, some states require payment for employees who serve on juries for a certain number of days or in cases lasting fewer than a certain number of weeks. These protections vary widely, and most states do not mandate employer payment. You should review your employee handbook or ask your human resources department about your company's specific jury duty pay policy.

The gap between what the court pays and what you would normally earn can be substantial. If you earn $20 per hour and serve for a week, you would normally make $800. The court might pay $100 to $200 for that week, leaving you with a significant loss of income. For people living paycheck-to-paycheck, this loss can create real financial hardship. Some jurors attempt to request postponement or excusal from jury duty for financial reasons, though courts do not always grant these requests.

Practical takeaway: Check your employer's jury duty policy before you receive a summons. If your employer does not pay for jury duty, budget for potential lost wages. If you face genuine financial hardship from jury service, you may request postponement to a later date when you are in a better financial position, or you can explain your situation to the court, though it is not guaranteed to result in dismissal from duty.

Special Circumstances and Modified Payment Situations

Certain situations affect how jury duty payment works. If you are serving on a jury in a case that lasts more than a few weeks, the payment may continue at higher rates or have adjustments. Some courts recognize that extended jury service places greater financial burden on jurors and may adjust their

Free Guide to Resetting Your Home Appliances →