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Payroll

A midyear checklist for payroll compliance

07/12/2011
With summer schedules slowing down, you may have more time to tackle projects further down on your to-do list. Here are some general payroll maintenance tasks to work on in the coming months. Getting things in order now also makes for a smoother year-end process.

Work in your pajamas: What could be better than that?

07/08/2011
Before any employee begins telecommuting, there are payroll issues you need to resolve: keeping time for nonexempts, how and when to pay, and reimbursement for business expenses.

Making paycheck deductions in New York is dangerous business

07/06/2011

When an employee owes the company money, it may be tempting to simply deduct it from his or her next paycheck. But in New York, that can be a big mistake. Over the past couple of years, the New York State Department of Labor has issued several opinion letters that significantly narrow its interpretation of New York Labor Law Section 193.

How can we recoup money we overpaid worker?

06/23/2011
Q. We pay most of our employees’ wages and salaries via direct deposit. Last week, two checks for the same pay period were deposited into an employee’s account. Can we legally have the bank withdraw the extra funds from the employee’s account?

This summer’s hot priority: midyear payroll maintenance

06/22/2011
With summer heat setting in, you may be tempted to run through the sprinklers. But before you slip off your sandals, consider tackling these general payroll maintenance tasks. Getting things in order now also makes for a smoother year-end process.

Taxing and reporting retiree group-term life insurance?

06/21/2011
Question: My company provides group-term life insurance with a value of more than $50,000 to some retirees. I know I have to report the uncollected employee FICA taxes on their W-2s in Box 12 with Codes M and N. Do we have to pay the employer share of these taxes? If so, when are they due? Also, how are the amounts reported on Form 941?

The rise of e-pay: Know your options & the law

06/21/2011
By now, you probably give workers the option of direct deposit in addition to paper checks. But more employers are beginning to offer a third option—payroll debit cards, or “pay cards.” But before you call your payroll provider or bank to set up a pay card option, understand the legal and practical risks.

2nd job: commuting or reimbursable expense?

06/20/2011
Q: An employee has taken a second job with our company on a part-time basis. Would our reimbursement of his travel expenses from his first job to our workplace be a tax-free reimbursement, or a taxable commuting expense?

Employee fired for filing Form SS-8 may sue

06/20/2011
A worker who was fired after admitting to his employer that he filed Form SS-8 with the IRS to determine his status as an independent contractor or employee can continue his lawsuit for unpaid overtime, a federal trial court has ruled.

8 tips for handling summer military-leave payroll issues

06/14/2011
Summer is usually when employees who belong to the National Guard and military Reserves give their two weeks of duty to Uncle Sam. Now is the time to prepare for their absence, by following these eight tips.