Currently Browsing: Payroll

Do All Employees Need to Fill Out the Updated 2020 W-4 Form?

Do All Employees Need to Fill Out the Updated 2020 W-4 Form?

Effective January 1, 2020, the IRS has issued an update to Form W-4, known as the Employee’s Withholding Certificate. This widely-used document allows employees to determine how much federal income tax should be withheld from their wages. This redesign has been a…

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5 Tips for Improving Payroll Processing in 2020

5 Tips for Improving Payroll Processing in 2020

Payroll can be a tedious and confusing part of running a business. It can be tempting to run payroll based on a “good enough” basis, but accuracy is critical because you’re dealing with worker wages, taxes, and classification. Get any of the…

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Year-End Payroll Checklist for Small Businesses

Year-End Payroll Checklist for Small Businesses

As this year draws to a close, it’s time to complete year-end closing payroll requirements. The following checklist will help you to complete this requirement and prepare you for payroll setup in the new year: Before Year’s End: Confirm Accuracy of Employee…

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7 Tips for Handling a Worker’s Comp Audit

7 Tips for Handling a Worker’s Comp Audit

Every employer is required to have a workers’ compensation policy, and it often requires occasional audits. It’s in your best interest to comply so that your premiums are as accurate as possible. Here are seven tips to make the experience as painless…

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Are Payroll Services Worth the Cost for Small Businesses?

Are Payroll Services Worth the Cost for Small Businesses?

Payroll processing can be a heavy burden for small business owners. It’s complicated and time-consuming, and if it isn’t done right it can be expensive to correct errors. Although some small business entrepreneurs feel comfortable handling payroll on a DIY basis, most…

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5 California Labor Laws That Affect Payroll Calculations

5 California Labor Laws That Affect Payroll Calculations

Payroll processing can be complicated, especially when you consider the many employment laws that impact the way wages, benefits, and taxes are calculated. If you are handling your own payroll processing, then it’s important to stay current with the latest laws and…

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Employers: How to Avoid Penalties for Not Paying Payroll Taxes

Employers: How to Avoid Penalties for Not Paying Payroll Taxes

As a busy employer, you are responsible for the day to day success of your business. From sales to marketing, and from fulfillment of goods and services to back-office operations, you have a lot on your plate. The truth is, no one…

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What Types of Wages Can You Use to Pay Employees?

What Types of Wages Can You Use to Pay Employees?

As a business owner or manager, you must decide the right wage type for your employees based on their job roles, experience, your business, etc. Wage types can differ for various employees. So, what are the different wage types that are available?…

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4 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Payroll Service

4 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Payroll Service

Successful business owners know the importance of getting payroll done accurately and on time, every time. Employees expect to be paid for their work without errors or delay. For a busy manager, payroll processing can be a very tedious and time-consuming task….

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Small Business Payroll: 5 Steps to Success

Small Business Payroll: 5 Steps to Success

Your small business payroll can be manually processed in five simple steps. It can take a little time to get familiar with the steps, but once you know how to do it, it becomes a routine effort. We’ll walk you through the…

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On Call Pay: What Employers in CA Need to Know

On Call Pay: What Employers in CA Need to Know

It can be a trick to keep up with both federal and state employment laws, which is why most employers lean on the services of an expert payroll team. In California, a recent ruling in the court case Ward v. Tilly’s, Inc.,…

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6 Types of Paid and Unpaid Leave of Absences

6 Types of Paid and Unpaid Leave of Absences

A leave of absence is when an employee takes a prolonged amount of time away from their day job but still retains their status as an employee. Leaves of absence can either be paid or unpaid, mandatory or voluntary. It is important…

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3 Pros and 3 Cons of Hiring Seasonal Employees

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Hiring Seasonal Employees

Hiring seasonal employees can be a real advantage to small businesses that only operate during specific times of the year. But before you decide to hire seasonal employees, be sure to consider the pros and cons of doing so. Three pros of…

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3 Payroll Processing Goals for 2019

3 Payroll Processing Goals for 2019

At the start of a new year, it is common for business owners to look at things that need to be addressed to improve business systems. Right now is a great opportunity to identify your goals for 2019 and put together a…

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What is the Company Policy for Accrued Time Off?

What is the Company Policy for Accrued Time Off?

December is the time of year when questions often come up about Paid Time Off accrual. Paid Time Off, often referred to as PTO, is a benefit commonly offered by employers and could include vacation days, holidays, and sick days. The employees…

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Are Employers Required to Offer Public Holiday Pay?

Are Employers Required to Offer Public Holiday Pay?

The holiday season is in full force, with piles of turkeys in the grocery stores and Christmas trees on display everywhere you look. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day are all federal holidays, which means that you might have questions…

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Understanding the Difference Between Gross Pay and Net Pay

Understanding the Difference Between Gross Pay and Net Pay

It can feel like you need to learn a new language when trying to decipher payroll terms. Not only will you encounter many abbreviations, but there are common phrases that are used to refer to different aspects of payroll calculations. Many business…

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Why Every Small Business Should Hire the Services of a Payroll Company

Why Every Small Business Should Hire the Services of a Payroll Company

As a small business owner, you have many roles and responsibilities to keep up with. Knowing which tasks to handle yourself, and which to delegate to others is an important part of managing your business, as well as managing your valuable time….

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What are the Differences Between a Payroll Employee and a Contracted Worker?

What are the Differences Between a Payroll Employee and a Contracted Worker?

If you don’t know a lot about employment law or payroll processing, then it might be a challenge to understand the differences between payment methods for a payroll employee and a contracted worker. But, it is essential to know how to pay…

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Why Payroll Should Never Be Calculated by Hand

Why Payroll Should Never Be Calculated by Hand

Manual payroll processing might seem like a possible solution to help you save money. But, the truth is that there are too many potential mistakes that can happen, which might cost you more money in the future. If you choose to calculate…

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What is the Difference Between an Employee and a Contracted Worker?

What is the Difference Between an Employee and a Contracted Worker?

Outsourced services are on the rise, which means that many business owners are facing the decision of hiring a contractor or employee when work needs to be completed. It is essential that you understand the classifications of a worker and an employee…

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Why It Is Best to Get Professional Help for Payroll Taxes

Why It Is Best to Get Professional Help for Payroll Taxes

Business owners looking to cut overhead costs often decide to keep payroll processing in-house instead of outsourcing these services. But, did you know that professional payroll services could save you money? Instead of worrying about the expenses of hiring a professional, you…

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When Should Employers Offer Double-Time Pay

When Should Employers Offer Double-Time Pay

Payroll processing can get complicated, especially when your employees aren’t working regular shifts each week. In many situations, you can’t calculate the hours with a single rate of pay. The hourly rate changes depending on the time that the employee works and…

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What is the Best Frequency for Payroll Processing?

What is the Best Frequency for Payroll Processing?

When you have a team of employees, running payroll is a never-ending task. Your employees need to know when they can expect their paychecks. At the same time, you need to maintain consistency with payroll processing to support employee morale. If you…

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Is it Time to Switch Payroll Providers?

Is it Time to Switch Payroll Providers?

The quality of a payroll provider is essential to ensure that employees receive accurate paychecks on the right days. Many companies take the approach of: “if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it!” But, even though your payroll system seems to be…

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The Legalities of Paperless Payroll

The Legalities of Paperless Payroll

Technology has reduced the need to have stacks of paperwork in the office. But, there are still a few printed papers that are necessary to be compliant with payroll laws. Many parts of the payroll process can be completed online, making it…

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5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Payroll Processing Company

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Payroll Processing Company

Choosing a payroll processing company is an important step for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are launching a start-up or you are looking for ways to simplify things for an existing company, payroll services can be an integral step to help…

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3 Steps to Save Time on Payroll Processing

3 Steps to Save Time on Payroll Processing

Do you dread payday because payroll processing takes so much of your time? Accurate, timely paychecks are essential to ensure the satisfaction of your employees. So, you can’t drop the ball when it is time to calculate payroll Unfortunately, many business owners…

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Tips for Managing Retroactive Pay

Tips for Managing Retroactive Pay

Even if you have a good payroll system in place, there are times when mistakes might result in an incorrect paycheck. The mistakes could be on the part of the employee, the manager, or even the payroll processing system. It is important…

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How to Maintain Confidentiality with Payroll Processing

How to Maintain Confidentiality with Payroll Processing

A lot of confidential information is required for payroll processing. Not only do you need to manage details about your business finances, but you also have information about the employees as well. It is essential that you are proactive to keep this…

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Hourly or Salary – Which is Better for Employees?

Hourly or Salary – Which is Better for Employees?

As a business owner, it can be hard to know the best way to pay employees. Not only do you need to set a rate of pay, but you also need to decide if they will be paid salary or based on…

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3 Ways to Save Time on Payroll Processing

3 Ways to Save Time on Payroll Processing

How much time do you spend every month on payroll processing? If you are a business owner and you are still calculating and distributing paychecks without professional assistance, then you are probably stretched thin trying to keep up with the responsibilities. Not…

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Why is it a Bad Idea to do Payroll By Hand?

Why is it a Bad Idea to do Payroll By Hand?

Cutting a check to employees or contractors shouldn’t be a complicated thing. But, now that we have laws, taxes, and calculations that need to be figured in, it is essential that precision is used during payroll calculations. We live in a digital…

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What are the Penalties for Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes?

What are the Penalties for Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes?

Payroll processing involves more work than just cutting a check for each employee. As an employer, you have requirements to withhold payroll taxes and make payments on a regular basis. But, what happens if you fail to make these payments? Why Payroll…

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Payroll Calculations: Distinguishing Between Gross Pay and Net Pay

Payroll Calculations: Distinguishing Between Gross Pay and Net Pay

It seems like it should be simple to calculate payroll for an employee, and most new business owners assume that they can handle payroll in-house. But, without an experienced bookkeeper or accountant to help with the payroll calculations, you may be running…

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Is it Necessary for Every Company to Pay for Unemployment Insurance?

Is it Necessary for Every Company to Pay for Unemployment Insurance?

There are multiple payroll taxes that need to be paid by both employees and employers. One of those fees is unemployment insurance, which is a fund that helps people who are unemployed. Why is Unemployment Insurance Needed? This insurance coverage is funded…

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What Employers Need to Know about Payroll Deductions

What Employers Need to Know about Payroll Deductions

Payroll processing is more than just tallying up the hours of an employee and cutting a check. If you have employees, there are certain payroll deductions that need to be withheld. But, how do you know how much money needs to withhold?…

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Important Facts to Know about the W2 Form

Important Facts to Know about the W2 Form

Now that the New Year has started, many small business owners are thinking about the upcoming tax season. Even though the tax filing deadline is still a few months away, there are a few things that you need to do in January…

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Did You Pay Holiday Bonuses to Employees in 2016?

Did You Pay Holiday Bonuses to Employees in 2016?

Did you offer holiday pay to your employees recently? This benefit is not required by law, but many businesses choose to offer paid holidays to staff members. The holiday season is a great time of year to show your generosity and appreciation…

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The Advantages of Direct Deposit for both Employees and Employers

The Advantages of Direct Deposit for both Employees and Employers

We live in a digital world, and many employers are looking for paperless solutions that can be integrated into their company. One of the most common ways to simplify payroll and reduce the waste of paper is by using direct deposit for…

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Tips for Calculating Payroll Taxes

Tips for Calculating Payroll Taxes

Each time payroll is processed, it is essential to calculate payroll taxes so that you know the right amount of money that needs to be withheld from each paycheck. These payroll withholdings are paid for state, federal, and local taxes and they…

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When Should Employment Taxes Be Deposited and Reported?

When Should Employment Taxes Be Deposited and Reported?

As a business owner, it can be stressful to keep up with employment tax deposits and reporting. Not only do you have to calculate the right withholdings from each employee paycheck, but you also have to make payments and submit reports to…

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Easy Ways to Keep Up with Payroll Deadlines throughout the Year

Easy Ways to Keep Up with Payroll Deadlines throughout the Year

Whether you have one employee or hundreds of employees, it is essential that you have a good system in place to keep up with payroll requirements throughout the year. Employee satisfaction is directly tied with payroll consistency, and missing these deadlines can…

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Managing Retroactive Pay during Payroll Processing

Managing Retroactive Pay during Payroll Processing

When running payroll, it is inevitable that mistakes will happen at some point or another. Whether the employee’s hours were reported incorrectly or a pay raise wasn’t added to the pay period, it is important that you take fast action to fix…

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Protect the Environment by Switching to Paperless Payroll

Protect the Environment by Switching to Paperless Payroll

With the prolific increase in commerce, transportation, and industry over the last 100 years, the environment has taken a significant amount of abuse. If your business payroll system has a large paper footprint, it may be time to consider switching to an…

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How Payroll Services Can Improve Productivity

How Payroll Services Can Improve Productivity

As an owner or manager of a business, it can be challenging to maintain productivity throughout the day. Do you find that you constantly have interruptions or busy work that comes across your desk, making it difficult to stay proactive with the…

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3 Tips to Find the Right Payroll Contractor

3 Tips to Find the Right Payroll Contractor

It can be a tough decision to hire a contractor, especially when the contractor will be helping with something as important as payroll. Maintaining consistency with paycheck accuracy and distribution is essential to ensure that your employees are happy with their jobs….

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How will Payroll Services Benefit a Company?

How will Payroll Services Benefit a Company?

It can be a burden to handle payroll in-house, which is why you might be thinking about the benefits of a payroll service. If you are looking for ways to decrease overhead costs and reduce the workload within your office, then you…

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A Few Things to Consider When Calculating Payroll Taxes

A Few Things to Consider When Calculating Payroll Taxes

Without a good system, payroll calculations can take quite a bit of time. Do you find that you are spending too much time on busy work like paycheck calculations and check printing? Often, business owners get caught up in other responsibilities required…

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Payroll Service: Is it Worth the Cost for a Small Business?

Payroll Service: Is it Worth the Cost for a Small Business?

Whether you have a small or large company, you should think about the benefits of hiring a payroll service for your business. Since it is the beginning of the year, many business owners are looking for ways to improve their financial systems…

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Direct Deposit: Modern Payroll Service for the Workforce

Direct Deposit: Modern Payroll Service for the Workforce

Do you offer multiple payroll options to support your employees? Some people don’t like the inconvenience of stopping by the bank every time they get a paycheck, which is why they prefer the convenience of direct deposit. If you want to keep…

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3 Tips to Setup Payroll for a New Company

3 Tips to Setup Payroll for a New Company

Whether you are starting a new business or you are planning to change the payroll system for an existing company, there are several considerations that need to be made to ensure success with the new system. Setting up the right system is…

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How Affordable are Small Business Payroll Services?

How Affordable are Small Business Payroll Services?

Whether you have a small or large business, it is important that you assess certain tasks to examine the efficiency of your company. By putting together the right systems, it is possible to improve efficiency which can actually save you money. Payroll…

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Update Your Sick Leave Policy to Comply with New State Laws

Update Your Sick Leave Policy to Comply with New State Laws

Beginning July 1, new state-wide regulations on paid sick leave became effective. All employers in the state of California must now provide both full- and part-time employees with paid sick leave, once they have reached 30 days of employment with the company….

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What is Prevailing Wage?

What is Prevailing Wage?

In California, construction workers are entitled to a form of pay known as prevailing wage. This is a base pay rate which ensures that all public works construction workers are compensated adequately and fairly for their craft. Based on an hourly pay…

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Prepare for 2015 Payroll Tax Changes

Prepare for 2015 Payroll Tax Changes

About 10 million workers will pay higher FICA taxes in 2015, due to recent changes in the maximum taxable income. The Social Security Administration has announced that beginning on January 1, the maximum amount of taxable income has increased from $117,000 to…

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5 Things Businesses Must Know About Payroll Taxes

5 Things Businesses Must Know About Payroll Taxes

As a small business owner in Temecula, you fill many different roles in your business. From hiring and training employees to repairing the pesky printer; you do it all. If you’re also responsible for doing your own payroll taxes, there are five…

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