When you hire new employees, you must collect information to verify employment eligibility and run payroll. Federal Forms W-4 and I-9 are just the beginning when it comes to new employee forms. You may also need to collect state-specific forms, including your state’s W-4. What is the state W-4 form?
Read More State W-4 Forms: Don’t Forget to Collect from New Hires
Author:
Rachel Blakely-Gray
As Patriot's Content Manager, Rachel creates engaging and informative content aimed to help business owners understand complex accounting and payroll topics.
New W-4 Form: IRS Makes Minor Changes to 2026 Form, Plus One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
You don’t file Form W-4 with the IRS, but your payroll depends on it. Employers use Form W-4 to determine how much to withhold from an employee’s gross wages for federal income tax. How familiar are you with the new W-4 form for 2026?
Read More New W-4 Form: IRS Makes Minor Changes to 2026 Form, Plus One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
Paid Sick Leave Laws by State: The Chart, Map, & Accrual Info You Need
Typically, employers get to choose whether they want to offer types of paid time off, like sick leave, to employees. But depending on your business location, you might not have a choice. Little by little, paid sick leave laws by state are on the rise.
Read More Paid Sick Leave Laws by State: The Chart, Map, & Accrual Info You Need
Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Information for Employers
The Connecticut paid sick leave law was the first state-mandated paid sick leave in the United States, dating back to 2012. In 2024, the state passed a major Connecticut sick leave expansion that begins in 2025.
Read More Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Information for Employers
Business Use of Vehicle: Drive Your Way to Tax Savings
How often do you drive to meet a client or your accountant? Do you frequently make bank runs for your business? Depending on your business use of vehicle, you may qualify for a nice-sized tax deduction.
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9 Self-employment Tax Deductions You Should Be Taking
If you are self-employed, you might be overwhelmed by the expenses you have, including your self-employment tax liabilities. However, you can claim self-employment tax deductions to reduce the amount you owe in taxes. See how you can take advantage of self-employed tax relief below.
Read More 9 Self-employment Tax Deductions You Should Be Taking
Business Mileage Deduction 101
Miles spent driving to meet clients, going to an office supply store, and depositing a customer’s check at the bank can add up. If you use a vehicle for small business purposes, you might qualify for a business mileage deduction from the IRS.
Read More Business Mileage Deduction 101
Minnesota Paid Family Leave to Launch in 2026
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the latest state to launch a paid family and medical leave program. Beginning in 2026, Minnesota employers will be responsible for handling payroll deductions for the new Minnesota paid family leave program.
Read More Minnesota Paid Family Leave to Launch in 2026
State-mandated Retirement Plans: Don’t Get Tripped up
State-mandated retirement plans are here to nudge (erhm, push) employers into helping employees save for their future. But, all the different rules and regulations can cause you to trip on your way to offering retirement plans.
Read More State-mandated Retirement Plans: Don’t Get Tripped up
What Is the Difference Between Qualified vs. Nonqualified Plans?
Deferring compensation is one strategy employees can use to reduce their tax liability. Qualified and nonqualified are the two types of deferred compensation plans. To keep your business legal, learn how qualified vs. nonqualified plans differ.
Read More What Is the Difference Between Qualified vs. Nonqualified Plans?