Author:

Rachel Blakely-Gray

Rachel Blakely-Gray has spent more than a decade writing about payroll, payroll taxes, and accounting for small business owners at Patriot Software. As Content Manager, she covers everything from multi-state payroll tax filing to 1099 reporting requirements, translating IRS and state regulations into plain English.

Business owner offering employee health insurance

Do Employers Have to Offer Health Insurance?

October 4, 2022

You probably know that offering employee benefits helps you hire and retain top talent. But did you know that 88% of employees consider health insurance benefits when choosing a job?

Commission Employees and Overtime Rules

October 4, 2022

To protect employee rights, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates overtime. But, some employees are exempt from receiving overtime pay. If you offer commission pay to employees, you might be wondering if they are exempt from overtime. What are your responsibilities when it comes to commission employees and overtime?

Business owner using cell phone and laptop.

Outstanding Checks in Payroll: How to Handle

September 30, 2022

Writing employees checks is one way you can pay them their wages. But if an employee takes too long to deposit their paycheck, you have to deal with the consequences. There are a few things you might have to do when paychecks are outstanding checks.

Man sitting on the couch filling out Form SS-4.

What Is Form SS-4? Applying for an EIN for Your Business

September 30, 2022

Some businesses are required to have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). FEINs, or EINs, are used by employers and other businesses for tax filing and reporting purposes. FEINs work similarly to Social Security numbers. When you include your business’s unique nine-digit number on documents, the IRS can easily identify your company. One way to […]

Woman putting up a "Come in we're open" sign.

What You Need to Know About Mandatory Employer Registration

September 30, 2022

Bringing on employees doesn’t make you an official employer. You must sign up for accounts with the IRS and your state to legally become an employer. Otherwise, you will violate employment laws, leading to hefty penalties. Make sure you know your employer registration requirements before hiring employees.

Bride putting wedding ring on groom's finger.

What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event

September 28, 2022

Employees have a window of time each year to sign up for certain types of employer-sponsored insurance. Although this open enrollment period takes place at the end of each year for all employees, an employee can add or remove coverage at any time of the year if they have a qualifying life event.

The Working Condition Fringe Benefit Is Tax-free. Who Knew?

September 28, 2022

For many employers, nothing’s more confusing than employee benefits and payroll taxes. Are there any fringe benefits that are exempt from all payroll taxes? Yes, there are, and the working condition fringe benefit (spoiler!) is one of them.

A farmer and an employee working on agricultural accounting.

The Ultimate Guide to Agricultural Accounting: Mastering Your Farm’s Finances

September 22, 2022

Like any business, you need up-to-date accounting records if you run a farm, ranch, or related operation. But, some aspects of agricultural accounting, like livestock and land, are specific to farming businesses.

401(k) vs. Simple IRA: Understanding Retirement Plan Options

September 22, 2022

Are you planning to offer your employees a retirement plan for the first time? Or, are you considering switching from a SIMPLE IRA to 401(k)? Whatever the case, you might have questions about the difference between a 401(k) vs. SIMPLE IRA plan. After all, you want to choose the best plan for your business.

Hour glass with orange sand. Clock in background.

Should You Use an Employee Time Clock?

September 20, 2022

Managing employee hours worked comes with the territory of running payroll. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, you must use a timekeeping method and retain records for your nonexempt employees. Do you know how to track employee hours? One way you can track hours is through an employee time clock.