<prompt> Human: My wife took a different position with the school district where she works. She was told by HR via email that her pay would end as of July 31st and new pay would start on Sept. 1. She was told earlier this week by a different HR rep that she shouldnt have been paid the three extra paychecks from end of June through July and we would have to pay it back.We want to pay back any overpayment, but I am concerned about any tax or retirement contribution ramifications. How can I ensure we pay back what is owed and neither us nor the employer are short changed? Any other words of advice?  <response>: It sounds as though there is some confusion within HR about the job switch-over. I would advise her to go to HR or call them and explain the conflicting info. If shes a contracted teacher, she should get paid until the end of her contract, regardless of job change, since shes already earned that money during the last school year.If shes hourly, she should have been punching in which gives her time cards to show what shes worked - again, cant take away money she already earned.I think checking in with HR, possibly a manager, is a good first step. These things can get complicated, especially if youve got 2 different people weighing in with 2 different scenarios. Get one person to sit down and verbally go over it before you pay anything back.Im a teacher. 