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.
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Federal-mandated Laws - Tips, Training, and News
When Is Rounding Employee Time Illegal?
Key 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
Key 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)
Key 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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Essential Payroll Tax Recordkeeping Requirements Every Employer Must Know
Your to-do list as a business owner seems to get longer every day. There’s one more item you’ll have to check off, and this one is part of federal law. You’re required to retain payroll records, sometimes for up to four years.
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Federal Legal Holidays: The Days You Need to Know
As a small business owner, your doors likely aren’t open 24/7. And if you’re like most businesses, you might be closed on federal legal holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average full-time employee receives approximately 7.6 paid holidays annually.
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Can I Pay Employees Late? What Small Employers Need to Know
Key Takeaways − You generally cannot pay employees late without risk. Federal law requires you to pay on the regular payday you’ve set. Many states have strict payday frequency and timing rules (and penalties). Late payroll can trigger wage claims, penalties, lawsuits, and morale issues. If you’re facing a cash crunch, communicate, document, and fix […]
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IRS Failure-to-file Penalty for Employers: What It Is, How It’s Calculated, and How to Avoid It
Procrastination can be costly. If you put off submitting your employer tax returns too long, you couldwind up with a failure-to-file penalty. And no employer wants that.
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Forget to File? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Failure to File W-2 Penalty
Each and every employer is responsible for completing, distributing, and filing Form W-2 each year. But, what happens if filing Form W-2 slips your mind? Learn about what happens when you forget to file Form W-2 and the failure to file W-2 penalty.
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FMLA vs. PFL: Different Types of Leave for Your Employees
When an employee needs to take time off, you may start asking what you need to do as an employer. What are the different types of leave? Do you need to offer FMLA leave? What about PFL? With so many different laws (and acronyms!) about family leave, your role as the employer can be confusing. […]
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