If an employer deducts payroll to pay for a laptop, does the employee then own it?

Question

If an employer deducts payroll to pay for a laptop, does the employee then own it?

Answer

It depends. If the employer requires the employee to use a laptop and rents it on some sort of payroll deduction and it is clear that it is a rental and not a purchase then no, the employee may not own it. However, if the employer deducts for the full cost of the laptop then the employer has very little room to argue the employee does not own it. I would suggest looking at whatever document you signed authorizing the payroll deduction.