Hi ,
Like most of the members my question is I had a sign on bonus of $5000/ when I joined this new job .The total sign on bonus was for $10000/ which has been split into 2 $5000/ for a contract of 2 years now its almost going to be a year (I joined this company on jan 31 of 2007) and I am about to turn in my 2 weeks notice and by that time it would be mid or later November due to some of the critical promises that they made me when offered the job have not been fulfilled until now and there is another company that has shown interest and given in writing to take care of those issues effective immediately .My question is when I leave this company A do I need to return the entire amount of $5000/ (which was 2300 post taxes)? Or not as I have been with them for almost a year just waiting for an answer about the promise made on my hiring date? Please help me in understanding the options that I have at this juncture.Appreciate your help.
Regards,
Raj

Depends on the state in which you work. Most states are work at will states, which means that even if you signed a contract it legally means nothing. Louisiana, Texas, and California are examples of states where these contract mean nothing and sign on bonuses are really just gifts. In work at will states money cannot be given in exchange for work contracts. So if you can tell us which state you are in we can help tell you if you will have to give anything back at all.

Is NY considered "work-at-will"?

As I understand it, this is what "work-at-will" means: if someone signs a contract stating that they'll pay back the sign-on bonus if they leave within a year, they're not legally obliged to repay the sign-on bonus even if they leave before the year is up? Is that right?