Key Takeaways − Callback pay (or call-back pay) is extra pay you give when you call an employee back to work after they’ve left for the day. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require callback pay itself, but it does require you to pay for all hours worked, and it requires overtime when […]
Read More What Is Callback Pay, and How Do I Compensate Employees?
If you have an employee who lives in one state but drives across the border to work in yours, you might assume you need to withhold and remit income tax to both states. In some cases, you don’t. A number of neighboring states have worked out reciprocity agreements that let cross-border employees pay income tax […]
Read More Which States Have Reciprocal Agreements … and What Does That Mean?
Key Takeaways − Hitting 50 employees is a major compliance milestone, especially under federal benefits and health coverage rules. Payroll gets more complex as you add benefits, more pay types, and tracking. You may also face multi-state issues. You need tighter processes, better systems, and clear documentation to avoid penalties and payroll errors. A modern […]
Read More Handling the Payroll Complexities of Crossing the 50-employee Threshold
Pay compression happens when the pay gap between newer and longer-tenured employees shrinks, often because starting salaries rise faster than existing raises.
Read More Pay Compression: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Fix It
If you’re looking for a new benefit to offer employees, you might consider employer student loan repayment. The benefit itself isn’t new, but it got a tax-exemption makeover in 2020 thanks to the CARES Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act. And in 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the tax exemption permanent.
Read More Employer Student Loan Repayment: Up to $5,250 Tax-free Permanently
You must withhold the right amount of taxes on employee wages when paying employees. But what if you need to pay an independent contractor? To keep tax information straight between independent contractors and employees, you need to know the difference between Form W-9 vs. W-4. Read on for the scoop.
Read More Form W-9 vs. W-4: What Are the Right Forms for Employees and Contractors?
You may have to file information returns like Form W-2 and Form 1099-NEC when you have employees, work with independent contractors, or meet other requirements. Some businesses must electronically file these returns with the IRS. There is an IRS electronic filing threshold that determines which companies must e-file.
Read More IRS Electronic Filing Requirements: Who Needs to E-file?
Hired your first employee? Check. Set a start date? Check. Ready to process payroll? Not quite yet. Before you can start paying your employees, there are a few steps you need to know and some terms to learn. This handy payroll 101 guide explains how to set up payroll the right way so you can […]
Read More How to Set up Payroll for a Small Business
Employers juggle many responsibilities, including calculating and withholding payroll taxes and other deductions. But, what exactly does payroll taxes include? And, how do you know how much to withhold from employees’ wages? If you’re wondering about understanding payroll taxes, never fear. Your payroll taxes breakdown is here.
Read More What Are Payroll Taxes?
Key Takeaways − Rapid hiring multiplies payroll complexity and the risk of mistakes. Standardize processes, use checklists, and centralize data to maintain accuracy. The right payroll software can automate calculations, taxes, and onboarding tasks. Regular audits, clear roles, and training keep errors from snowballing as you grow. Why payroll gets risky when you are hiring […]
Read More How to Maintain Payroll Accuracy During Periods of Rapid Hiring