Frequently Asked Questions
We like to be transparent with our clients from the start of our partnership, so we've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought of (and some you may not) that we get asked most frequently.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Tax Implications of Hiring Your Child in Your Company
Hiring your child as an employee or intern in your company can be a smart business move, not only for their personal and professional growth but also for the potential tax benefits it offers. However, it is crucial to understand the tax implications and follow the proper procedures to ensure…
Read MoreThe Human Side of Payroll Providers – Why Having Real People On Call Is Essential For Your Business
In the realm of Payroll services, the value of human interaction cannot be overstated. While digital tools and automated processes have their merits, the sensitive, complex nature of your payroll often requires a human touch. Real people bring empathy, understanding and flexibility to the table, qualities that are irreplaceable and cannot…
Read MoreHow to Finish Strong in 2023 for a Successful 2024
As we find ourselves in the final stretch of 2023, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our achievements and set our sights on new horizons. As we gear up for 2024, it’s essential to identify potential roadblocks and strategize ways to overcome them. Here are some practical tips and…
Read MoreHR Q&A – Can We Decrease the Number of Hours an Employee Works?
“Yes. Absent an employment contract or other legally binding agreement, you can reduce an employee’s work hours—there is no law that prevents this. Hours are typically reduced for reasons such as a decrease in business needs, the company’s productivity has decreased, job restructuring, or reorganization.” – Daniel, SHRM-SCP It’s important, however,…
Read MoreIs Remote I-9 Verification Right for You?
Did you know you may still be able to verify I-9 documents remotely? But, you’ll need to use the new procedure. Learn more about it below. As we reported earlier, there’s a new I-9 form, and you should be using it for all new hires. When U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…
Read MoreHow Can We Play Our Part to Help With the Current Challenges in the Restaurant Industry?
The restaurant industry, a crucial part of the global economy, is currently navigating a myriad of challenges that have emerged through 2023. These obstacles range from inflation and rising food costs to labor shortages and increasing competition. However, despite these hurdles, the industry continues to adapt and innovate, taking the…
Read MoreDeciding When to Establish a Dedicated HR Department: A Guide for Growing Businesses
As your business expands, there comes a point where managing human resources (HR) duties becomes more complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a dedicated HR department at the right time. However, determining when that is can be challenging. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can guide your…
Read MoreThe Value Behind APlus Payroll’s Implementation Fee
Transitioning to APlus Payroll’s system? Wondering about the one-time implementation fee? We hear this question a lot. Unlike some other payroll providers, we charge an upfront fee. But here’s the thing: quality doesn’t come for free. We’re dedicated to making your transition seamless and setting you up for long-term success. …
Read MoreEEO-1 Reporting Opens October 31
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced that 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection opens on October 31, 2023. The EEO-1 Component 1 report is a mandatory filing required of all private sector employers with 100 or more employees, and federal contractors and subcontractors with 50 or more employees…
Read MoreAre Call Centers the Bane of Customer Service?
If ever there is a topic that evokes such emotion that many of us have encountered at some point in our lives: call centers would be it! Love them or loathe them, they are an integral part of modern-day customer service. But are they really beneficial, or are they slowly but…
Read More10 Features You Should Look For in Your Next Payroll Company
If you’re a business owner, you know that handling payroll and HR tasks can be a demanding and time-consuming process. That’s where choosing the right payroll provider comes in. It’s crucial to know what you’re looking for in a provider to ensure that your business’s financial and personnel operations run…
Read MoreThe Power (And Profit) Of a Self-Service Portal Within Your Payroll System
A self-service portal in a payroll system is a game changer for businesses, providing benefits for both employers and employees. Let’s delve into this concept and explore its advantages. What is a Self-Service Portal? A self-service portal is an online interface that allows employees to handle many job-related tasks independently, without…
Read MoreHR Q&a – Can We Prohibit Employees From Dyeing Their Hair Bright Pink, Aqua, or Other Extreme Colors?
“Yes. Non-natural hair color is not a protected characteristic. Even so, there are a few things you may want to consider before making a policy about this: “Extreme” hair colors are becoming more and more common, so restricting colors may dampen employee morale or limit your applicant pool. You may…
Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Payroll Deductions for Small Business Owners
Understanding payroll deductions is a critical aspect of small business ownership. These deductions, which are taken out of an employee’s gross pay, include taxes, insurance premiums, and contributions to retirement plans. Managing these correctly not only ensures compliance with regulations but also contributes to employee satisfaction. Let’s delve into the different…
Read MoreThe Karmacy: A Place to Find Your Daily Dose of Positivity
In light of World Mental Health awareness, we’d like to shine a spotlight on a very uplifting art exhibit, ‘The Karmacy’ in Dallas, Texas. The Karmacy’s art installation invites visitors to take a bottle containing notes of encouragement and well-being, replacing them with their own notes to uplift the next visitor.…
Read MoreI’m Overwhelmed and Need Help, but I Am Scared if I Outsource Payroll I Will Lose Control – Is This True?
Outsourcing your payroll does not equate to surrendering control. On the contrary, it often implies gaining more control, especially over intricate details, which can be challenging to manage single-handedly. Here are 4 ways we can improve the way you are doing it now, while giving you more control! Customizable software and…
Read MoreHR Q&a – Are We Required to Have an Introductory Period for New Employees?
“No. Some employers call the first few weeks or months of an employee’s time with the company an introductory period, but this designation has no bearing on the rights employers or employees have. An introductory period doesn’t reduce the risks of termination (you should still have a good business reason…
Read MoreDeciding When to Establish a Dedicated HR Department: A Guide for Growing Businesses
As your business expands, there comes a point where managing human resources (HR) duties becomes more complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a dedicated HR department at the right time. However, determining when that is can be challenging. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can guide your…
Read MoreSeven Things to Consider When Providing Paid Time Off
Everyone needs time off from work, but not everyone’s able to take it. Paid time off helps a lot. People are better able to take the time they need without worrying about a smaller paycheck. Employers demonstrate to their teams that they value them as whole people and recognize that time…
Read MoreA Detailed Guide on Common Payroll Deductions for Small Businesses
Essential Payroll Taxes: FICA, FUTA, and SUTA 1. FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) Taxes: FICA taxes are composed of two parts: Social Security and Medicare. As of 2023, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for both employers and employees, up to a maximum wage base of $147,000. The Medicare tax…
Read MoreCultivating Confidence: Why Trying to Impress People Doesn’t Work
Have you ever tried to spruce up a garden for your neighbors’ admiration, only to realize that the most beautiful blooms were the ones you nurtured for your enjoyment? (Especially tough after this recent Texas summer) The same principle applies to personal development. When we focus on impressing others, we…
Read MoreHR Q&A – We have an exempt employee who has been taking a lot of long lunches and my boss wants to deduct time from her paid time off (PTO) bank. Can we dock her PTO for taking a long lunch?
“You can deduct hours from this exempt employee’s PTO bank for the time she was scheduled to work but didn’t work, but if it wasn’t made clear that you expected her to follow a set schedule, you’d only want to do this going forward. However, we’d suggest considering a different approach. …
Read MoreHR Q&a – What Is Pay Transparency and How Does It Help Employers?
Pay transparency refers to sharing information about pay with applicants, employees, and possibly the entire world. While some states and localities require that employers include a pay range with job postings, many employers now choose to do this on their own to stay competitive. But pay transparency can be taken…
Read MorePayroll is a serious business..until it’s not! – 7 funny stories from the Payroll department
Payroll, as we know, is a serious business. Most payroll managers have seen and heard it all. However, every once in a while, even they get a good chuckle from an unusual request or unique submission…Here’s 7 of the best! The Time Traveler: An employee once submitted a receipt for…
Read MoreStill have questions?
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Meet Payroll Paul
Payroll Paul first joined APlus Payroll in 2008. He specializes in helping build the customer service, marketing, and culture within the company; relying on his 40+ years of 'customer delight' experiences across six countries.
Paul Devlin