Payroll News
Read articles on payroll software; if you're looking for info on payroll check software, payroll tax, online payroll or payroll processing in general, you've come to the right place. The payroll software experts at Optimum Solutions have plenty of helpful tips and information to assist you in all your payroll needs. Check back often for guest posts by other payroll experts, payroll news and all things payroll services.
Feel free to email our payroll software experts at info@optimum-solutions.com and your question may be featured on our HRIS blog.
Payroll News
The Game is On - Employer v. Auditor
May 8 2012
Learn How to Beat the Auditor in Overtime
Over the past few years, overtime compliancy has become a hot topic and government audits are on the rise. Determining who is to receive overtime, what is included in overtime and how the rates must be calculated is no longer straightforward.…
Progress of the Mobile Workforce State Income Legislation
May 3 2012
The Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1864) was introduced to the House by Rep. Howard Coble on May 12, 2011 and referred to Committee the same day. HR 1864 was then reported by Committee on November 17, 2011. The bill is aimed to lower administrative…
Benefits of Direct Deposit
May 1 2012
Although direct deposit has become a widely used payroll solution, questions regarding the payment option still arise. If there is a direct deposit debate in your office, the following advantages will help you eliminate questions and concerns on both the employer and employee side.
More Convenient Deposits
Using direct deposit, employees…
Senate Proposes Bill to Increase Federal Minimum Wage
April 26 2012
On March 29, a bill was proposed to increase the federal minimum wage and hour projections to the Senate.
The bill proposes to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the federal minimum wage to $8.10 an hour, currently $7.25, for the first year and followed by a…
IRS Releases First Quarter 2012 Form 941
March 19 2012
The IRS has released yet another Form 941 effective 1st Quarter 2012 due to the continuation of the Payroll Tax Cut, which continues the Social Security portion of FICA remain at 4.2% for employee’s and 6.2% for employers. The form can be located on the IRS…
March 26, 2012 Webinar: Monthly, Quarterly and Year End Balancing
March 13 2012
Year end can be a payroll department’s worst nightmare. But do not fear, Optimum Solutions is here to give you a few tips on calculations you can do throughout the year to make the year end processing simple and uncomplicated.
Join Optimum Solutions on March 26 for a webinar…
Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Officially Extended Through 2012
February 29 2012
The Payroll Tax Cut Extension, originally set to expire February 29, 2012, has been extended through the end of 2012, following a February 15 congressional agreement. President Obama signed the bill into law on February 22, part of which repeals the recapture provision that was originally part of the two-month…
2012 American Payroll Association Legislative Issues
February 1 2012
In 2011, the American Payroll Association supported multiple pieces of legislation that were introduced, but not accepted into law. In 2012, we should expect to see the APA fighting to have some of these bills reconsidered at both the state and federal levels.
Automatic IRA Act
The S 3760…
2012 Tax Deduction, Exemption, and Exclusion Increases
January 25 2012
The IRS has announced increases in 2012 for the Standard Deduction, Personal Exemption and Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. See how these changes may apply to you.
Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended: 5 Important Facts You Need To Know
January 11 2012
In December, the payroll tax cut was extended to keep the two point reduction on the Social Security Tax. Learn how the tax cut may affect you.
Maintaining Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 Forms
December 21 2011
There has been a recent crack down by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on enforcing Employment Eligibility Verification Forms (I-9s). The USCIS has increased enforcement and harshened penalties on employers in an effort to try and target illegal immigration.
USCIS Penalties
If there is an issue, the USCIS is no longer filing cases as civil penalties, they are now being brought under criminal
code. Standard penalties are:
State Payroll and Tax Updates for 2012
December 15 2011
With the new year around the corner, there are many upcoming federal and state changes that are being released by the government. To stay ahead, see if your state has any upcoming tax changes.
California Tax Changes For 2012
- Employers Guide for 2012 Released: A Resource for on compliance…
2012 IRS Updates for Tax Forms, Tables, & Calendars
December 14 2011
The holidays are quickly approaching, and for Payroll and HR Managers this means more than just the normal chaos of shopping and wrapping gifts…its year end. With the added commotion surrounding year end, it is easy to miss other important tax updates that will affect you in 2012.
The…
December 10 Deadline to Register with Vermont Tax and Wage System for 2012 Wage Payments
December 8 2011
The December 10th deadline for employers to register with the VITWS is quickly approaching. Employers who are required to use the VITWS for the report due January 31, 2012 must register by tomorrow. Employers who do not comply will be subject to a $100.00 fee.
All…
The IRS Gives Advice for Companies That Outsource Their Payroll
November 11 2011
After a series of scams involving third-party payroll providers, the IRS offers advice for companies who outsource their payroll. Avoid these risks with an in-house payroll solution.
IRS Releases Draft of Form 940
November 2 2011
Learn the differences between the old Form 940 and the new Form 940 released by the IRS for 2011. Download the new form here.
Daylight Savings Reminder: Payroll Calculations
October 26 2011
If you are in payroll, you know that the end of daylight savings time means more than moving your clock back an hour. Read this quick blog to learn what you must do to correctly pay your shift workers.
Government Changes for Payroll in 2012
October 17 2011
Find out what the Payroll, Accounting and Tax departments have in store for changes for 2012. Before you finish year end read this article to find out Federal IRS, Federal Social Security Administration, State Unemployment and State Withholding changes.
Policies and Procedures of Family and Military Leave Act (FMLA)
September 22 2011
Read this brief overview to refresh your memory about FMLA policies and procedures for the employer and the employee.
Payroll Checklist for a Smooth Year-End
September 14 2011
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure that 2011 year end payroll processing runs smoothly.
Pay Cards and Termed Employees
August 18 2011
Learn best practices for paycards, especially with terminated employees. Find out how pay cards can save you money now, and when they’re appropriate.
August Balancing Checklist for Tax Reporting and Filing
August 3 2011
Use this free checklist for monthly and quarterly reporting in August and avoid penalties and interest.
July Balancing Checklist for Tax Reporting and Filing
July 28 2011
Learn how you can make quarterly tax reporting and filing easier. Use this free checklist for monthly and quarterly reporting in July and avoid penalties and interest.