Charges of harassment or discrimination must generally be filed with the EEOC within 180 calendar days of the last instance of harassment or discrimination. However, this deadline can be extended to 300 calendar days if a state or local law also prohibits the same type of discrimination and a state or local agency enforces that law. For ongoing harassment cases, the charge must be filed within 180 or 300 days (depending on state law) of the last incident, but the EEOC will consider all incidents of harassment, even those outside the filing deadline. Different rules apply to federal employers and claims under the Equal Pay Act. In summary:
- Standard filing deadline: 180 calendar days from the last discriminatory act.
- Extended deadline: 300 calendar days if a state/local law and enforcement agency exist.
- The deadline applies from the last act of discrimination or harassment.
- Charges against federal employers must be filed within 45 calendar days.
These timelines include weekends and holidays; if the deadline falls on such a day, filing can be done the next business day.
