Author:

Mike Kappel

Mike Kappel, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Patriot Software, offers payroll advice from more than 30 years of experience to small business owners.

What Is Mileage Reimbursement? 2026 Rates and More

By Mike Kappel

As a business owner, running errands is inevitable. But sometimes, you are too busy to make the run yourself. You might send an employee to pick up something or handle a task for you. If you find yourself counting on employees to use their personal cars for business, consider offering mileage reimbursement. So, what is […]

Barista cashing out a customer paying with their phone.

What Is Minimum Wage? 2026 Federal and State Minimum Wage

By Mike Kappel

The minimum wage law prevents employers from paying employees below a certain amount per hour. What is minimum wage? There is a federal minimum wage, but many states and localities set a higher wage. Comply with labor laws by learning what minimum wage your business may be subject to.

Flight attendant handing passport to traveler.

Understanding Publication 1542 Per Diem Rates

By Mike Kappel

You might have heard about per diem pay before. But, are you familiar with Publication 1542? Learn more about Publication 1542 per diem rates and how to calculate per diem pay below.

What Is Per Diem? How to Cover Employees’ Travel-related Business Expenses

By Mike Kappel

When employees incur travel-related business expenses, you might consider covering their costs. You can reimburse employees for expenses by giving them per diem pay. What is per diem pay?

Business owner putting a stack of money in someone's hand.

What Is a Highly Compensated Employee?

By Mike Kappel

If your company offers retirement plan options, you have to ensure each employee can benefit equally from the plan. To do this, you must consider who is a highly compensated employee (HCE). Not familiar with highly compensated employees? No worries. We’ll go over the HCE definition, how to determine who is classified as a highly […]

Woman looking at two co-workers and laughing.

What Is Profit Sharing, and How Can it Benefit Your Business?

By Mike Kappel

Looking to offer your employees an additional benefit? Consider creating a profit-sharing plan. But before you run off and create a plan, you need to know what is profit sharing. Read on to learn all about profit sharing, including how it works and steps for creating a plan of your own.

Contemplative woman writing on a notepad.

Types of IRA Accounts You Might Be Considering

By Mike Kappel

As a small business owner, you might be confused by all the different small business retirement plan options out there. One retirement option you can offer is an individual retirement arrangement, or account (IRA). There are several types of IRA accounts you could consider.

Laptop and a business owner holding a cup of coffee.

Types of 401(k) Plans: Traditional, Roth, and More

By Mike Kappel

Here’s the scoop: 72% of private industry workers have access to employer-provided retirement plans. Do yours? If you don’t offer employees a small business retirement plan, like a 401(k), it might be time to hop on the bandwagon. Read on to learn about the types of 401(k) plans to choose from.

employer using a calculator with lights in the background as they calculate fica tax

What Is FICA Tax, and How Much Is It?

By Mike Kappel

As an employer, you’re in charge of paying your employees … and handling those pesky employment taxes. One of the taxes you need to calculate and withhold is a payroll tax known as FICA. What is FICA tax?

Woman holding paperwork, smiling slightly at the camera.

What Is Self-employment Tax?

By Mike Kappel

Are you self-employed? If so, you better keep reading. Self-employed individuals must pay a unique payroll tax called self-employment tax. What is self-employment tax?