Payroll

NLRB back-pay ruling boomerangs into payroll

05/31/2013

In late 2012, the NLRB ruled in an unfair labor practice case that when lump-sum back pay awards span more than one year, the employer must report the awards to the Social Security Administration and reimburse employees for the excess federal and state income taxes that are attributable to those awards.

When using temps, make sure temp agency retains control of employment relationship

05/28/2013

Using temporary workers can be an effective way to stretch your labor budget without making a long-term staffing commitment. But if a temp sues over alleged discrimination, you may not have saved much money. To prevent surprises, make sure you treat the temp as a guest—leave the employment details to the agency that supplies the temp.

Hey, kid, get a job! Rules for employing teens

05/27/2013

If you’re tempted to say that to the teenagers in your house, and thankful that someone else will be employing them this summer, remember that somewhere out there other parents are saying the very same thing to their teens. And you may end up employing them.

Make the case: Direct deposit saves big bucks

05/27/2013

According to research by the Electronic Payments Association and the American Payroll Association, an employer currently printing 500 weekly paychecks can save $82,000 each year by switching to direct deposit.

June 2013: Employer’s business tax calendar

05/25/2013

NOTE: Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as observed in the District of Columbia are taken into account to determine due dates. Under the federal deposit rules, you’re allowed a deposit shortfall of the greater of $100 or 2% of your tax liability.

ACA regs keep rolling along

05/23/2013

Full implementation of the Affordable Care Act health care reform law is mere months away, which means that the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. The latest regulations cover the 90-day waiting period for new employees and temporary reinsurance fees.

Special analysis: How to tax and deduct bonuses

05/22/2013

The IRS has confirmed that how you withhold income taxes from supplemental pay, such as bonuses—by using a flat withholding method or aggregating the supplemental pay with other wages—is entirely up to you; employees can’t specify a withholding method.

Uncle Sam wants you! … to properly handle summer military duty

05/21/2013

Employees in the National Guard and Reserve usually serve their two weeks during the summer, but others may be away longer. Here’s what Payroll needs to know to properly handle summer military duty.

State document requirements for employing teens

05/17/2013

State law controls the age at which teens must obtain age certificates, working papers or parental consent letters and how long you must retain those documents. To help you get a handle on this crucial paperwork requirement, here’s a chart summarizing the state laws.

Set up summer hires for their first paychecks