Your Federal W-4 Isn't Enough: The State Withholding Certificates Every Employer Must Collect
The federal W-4 doesn't cover state tax in most states — collect each hire's state certificate (CA DE 4, NY IT-2104) or withholding defaults to max.
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Payroll
Payroll management, processing, and compliance for businesses of all sizes
Why Your Bonus Check Gets a Flat 22 Percent Withheld
The IRS lets employers withhold a flat 22% on bonuses up to $1M and 37% above it. That's withholding, not your tax rate; the gap settles when you file.
Colorado HB25-1090 for Restaurants: How to Disclose Service Charges and Automatic Gratuities
Colorado HB25-1090 lets restaurants keep service charges if every menu, website and phone quote states the amount and who gets it before the guest orders.
Got an EEOC Charge? A Small Employer's Playbook From Notice to Mediation
An EEOC charge is an allegation, not a verdict: block retaliation, file a documented position statement in ~30 days, and weigh free mediation (70%+ settle).
Worked Two Jobs and Overpaid Social Security Tax? How to Get the Excess Back
Two employers over-withheld? Claim excess Social Security tax on Schedule 3, Line 11; a single employer's error needs a W-2c and Form 843 instead.
One Late Payment Away From Missing Payroll? What the 2026 Numbers Say About Your Cash Buffer
One late payment threatened payroll for 39% of owners; 59% carry invoices 30+ days overdue. Deposits, shorter terms, and a cash buffer fix it.
FAVR Vehicle Reimbursement, Explained: Pay High-Mileage Drivers Tax-Free Without the Flat-Allowance Tax Waste
FAVR pays drivers tax-free with a fixed monthly allowance plus a per-mile rate — but it needs five drivers, 5,000 miles each, and a quarterly IRS ceiling test.
Form 941 vs. 944 vs. 940: Which Employment Tax Return to File, When It's Due, and How to Fix Mistakes
Most US employers file Form 941 quarterly plus Form 940 once a year; Form 944 is annual only if the IRS notifies you in writing. Fix errors with Form 941-X.
GSA Raised FY2027 Per Diem Rates to $181 a Day: Update Your Accountable Plan Before October 1
GSA's FY2027 standard per diem is $181/day — $113 lodging plus $68 M&IE from October 1. Update your accountable plan or the IRS taxes them as wages.
Hiring Your Spouse: How a Bona Fide Salary Unlocks Retirement Savings, Health Coverage, and Bigger Deductions
A spouse on W-2 payroll can fund a second solo 401(k) and pretax health coverage — if the IRS sees real work, market pay, and payroll records.
Honduras' 2026 Tax Amnesty and RIT Extension: What Small Businesses Should Know
Honduras waives penalties on tax arrears through 2025 if paid by October 12, 2026 — and extends RIT duty-free imports five years for exporters.
Loan-Out Corporations for Actors and Performers: How Getting Paid Through Your Own Company Works
A loan-out corporation restores the business-expense deductions the IRS permanently denies W-2 performers — at $3,000 to $6,000 a year to run.