Here are answers to some of the most common questions about payroll software and services.
What is online payroll software?
Online payroll software, also known as online payroll services, is cloud-based software you can use to process payroll and onboard new employees. Most online payroll software is easy to use and allows you to run payroll in minutes.
What is unique about comprehensive payroll companies?
What’s unique about comprehensive payroll companies is that in addition to managing your business’s payroll, they also handle your company’s payroll taxes, manage employees’ paid time off, provide new-hire reporting and facilitate workers’ compensation insurance. They may also offer HR management, benefits administration, time and attendance services, and 401(k) programs. [Learn about taxable fringe benefits and how they relate to wages.]
Why are payroll services important for small businesses?
Payroll services are important for small businesses because most small companies don’t have a dedicated HR team that knows the ins and outs of running payroll. Instead, they can rely on payroll companies to manage these tasks for them. These services ensure employees are paid correctly each month and that payroll taxes are filed. By outsourcing these tasks, business owners can save money and time.
How do you set up payroll software?
To set up payroll software, you’ll start by connecting your business’s bank account to your payroll platform of choice and entering your employees’ pay rates and withholding information. Employees who want to be paid by direct deposit can enter their banking information in the system’s online portal. Once this information has been submitted, you can set your pay schedule and start processing payroll based on each team member’s pay rate and hours worked.
Do payroll service providers offer mobile applications?
Yes. Most payroll service providers offer mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. These apps typically allow administrators to run payroll, review past payroll runs and pay payroll taxes. Additionally, employees may be able to use the mobile apps to review their pay stubs, pay history and PTO accruals.
How long does it take to process payroll?
How long it takes to process payroll varies by provider, but many payroll services complete the process within two days. This means payroll administrators need to submit their final payroll numbers two days before payday.
Are there any free payroll software solutions?
There are several free payroll software solutions, which may be useful for businesses that are just getting started. Free payroll software can help you manage payroll taxes, wage garnishments and benefits deductions. However, when using a free service, you may have to sacrifice other valuable features, like dedicated customer support.
Tip: You can hire a certified public accountant (CPA) if you need help managing the collection and reporting aspects of payroll processing. Accountants can analyze your payroll and provide valuable guidance for your business.
What are unpaid payroll tax penalties?
Unpaid payroll tax penalties apply when an employer fails to pay the Internal Revenue Service the proper amount of payroll tax funds it owes. Failure to complete Form 941 or to provide proper documentation, like W-2s or 1099s, is another possible issue that could lead to penalties. These penalties include fines, interest on back taxes and liens on property. IRS fines range from 2% of the missing deposit to 15%, depending on the number of days the business is behind. To avoid fines and even criminal charges, you need to ensure your payroll taxes are paid on time in the correct amount and that your company has filed all the required paperwork.
What is an example of a payroll tax?
An example of payroll tax is the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. This is a mandatory payroll deduction that employers pay to the IRS to cover Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare for employees.
What is a pay period?
A pay period is the recurring length of time during which an employee’s wages are calculated for payment. Pay periods can be weekly, biweekly, semimonthly or monthly. To choose the best pay schedule for your business, weigh the pros and cons of each option.
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