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.
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Payroll Tips, Training, and News
How to Set up Payroll for a Small Business
July 28, 2026Hired 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 […]
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How to Maintain Payroll Accuracy During Periods of Rapid Hiring
July 24, 2026Key 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 […]
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When Is Rounding Employee Time Illegal?
July 22, 2026Key Takeaways − You can round employee time in some cases, but it must be neutral, not one-sided. Federal law (FLSA) allows rounding in small increments (e.g., 5, 6, or 15 minutes) if it does not consistently favor the employer. Rounding is illegal when it regularly shortchanges employees, especially minimum wage or overtime pay. Some […]
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Navigating Local, State, and Federal Minimum Wage Discrepancies
July 20, 2026Key Takeaways − When minimum wages conflict, you generally must pay the highest applicable rate. You may need to compare federal, state, and local (city/county) rules for each employee. Multi-state payroll means tracking different rates, different rules, and different effective dates. Document your process, update rates on time, and use tools like payroll software to […]
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How to Future-proof Your Small Business Payroll Before Tax Laws Change (Again)
July 17, 2026Key Takeaways − Tax laws change constantly, and payroll is usually the first place you feel it. You do not need to track every new rule yourself; your payroll system should do the heavy lifting. Future-proofing payroll means automating tax calculations, staying updated through your software, tightening your data, and standardizing processes. Patriot’s payroll software […]
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Payroll Data Security in 2026 and Beyond: How Small Businesses Can Stay Protected
July 13, 2026Key Takeaways − Payroll data is a top target because it contains sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank info, and salary history. In 2026, the primary threats to small businesses are phishing, weak passwords, unsecured remote access, and human error. You don’t need a massive budget to stay safe; prioritize multi-factor authentication, encryption, and […]
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How Cloud-based Payroll Facilitates Remote Work and Mobile Access
July 1, 2026Key Takeaways − Cloud-based payroll lets you run payroll from anywhere with internet access (no office, server, or VPN needed). Your team can view pay stubs, update info, and access tax forms from their phones or laptops. Cloud systems typically offer automatic updates, data backups, and bank-level security. Desktop payroll ties you to one computer […]
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Top 7 Must-Have Payroll Software Features for Your Business
June 26, 2026Payroll has a lot of moving gears. From collecting time cards to withholding taxes, it can be, well, a lot. To simplify your payroll responsibilities and put more time back into your day for other tasks, you may consider getting payroll software. But, what’re the kinds of payroll system features you need to look out […]
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What Should Be in an Employee File? Payroll Recordkeeping Requirements
June 25, 2026As an employer, it’s your responsibility to store records in an employee personnel file. From new hire documents to payroll information, there are a variety of documents (and some confidential information) you need to securely store and have on hand. So, what should be in an employee file?
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