Immediate resignation letter template
A resignation letter effective immediately, with an optional one-line reason, an apology for the short notice and a question about final pay.
- ๐บ๐ธ US format ยท Letter size
- Free
This is a sample form. Check that the terms and pay match federal and state labor rules and your company policy.
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At will works both ways
Most US employment is at will, so you can resign without notice just as an employer can end the job without notice. State rules on final pay and notice vary. Check your state labor department. Some employers pay out unused PTO only when notice is given, so read your handbook before you send this.
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Resignation Letter
Jordan Lee
Marketing Associate
123 Main St, Apt 4
Austin, TX 78701
(555) 010-0000, jordan.lee@example.com
October 12, 2026
Taylor Kim
Director of Marketing, Acme Inc.
500 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Taylor Kim:
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as Marketing Associate at Acme Inc., effective immediately. My last day of employment is October 12, 2026.
A family situation requires my full attention starting today. I apologize for the short notice and for the disruption this causes the team. I understand this is not the usual two weeks, and I would have given more notice if I could.
Please let me know how you would like me to return my badge, laptop and any other company property, and when I can expect my final paycheck, including any unused paid time off that is owed under company policy.
Thank you for the opportunity to work at Acme Inc. I wish you and the team well.
Sincerely,
ย
ย
Jordan Lee
Marketing Associate
How to use it
Fill in your details and your manager's, and set the letter date: it is also your last day, and the first sentence says effective immediately. A reason is optional and one sentence is enough. Leave the apology on unless the circumstances make it wrong, and leave the paycheck question on so the timing of your final pay and the return of your badge and laptop are settled in writing.
Send it by email so it has a time stamp, and hand or mail a signed copy if your company asks for paper. Copy HR.
Things to watch
Do not list grievances in the letter. If you are leaving because of harassment, safety or unpaid wages, write that in a separate report to HR, keep a copy, and keep this letter neutral. Expect the employer to cut access the same day, so save your personal files and the contact details of coworkers before you send it. If you can give any notice at all, the two weeks notice template on this site is the safer choice for references.
Calculators that go with this
Frequently asked questions
Can I legally resign without notice?
In most US jobs, yes: at-will employment means either side can end it at any time. A signed contract or a bonus agreement may have a notice clause with a cost for breaking it, so read what you signed first.
Will I get my last paycheck and unused PTO?
Wages you earned must be paid; when depends on your state, from the next regular payday to a set number of days. Unused PTO payout depends on state law and company policy, and some policies pay it only when notice was given. The letter asks so the answer is in writing.
Do I have to give a reason?
No. If you give one, keep it to a neutral sentence such as a family situation or a health matter. You do not have to explain further, and it is fine to leave the box empty.
Is what I type saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. If you refresh the page it is gone, so print, save a PDF or download the DOCX when you are done.