How often do small business employers need to run payroll?
What tax considerations should small businesses keep in mind with payroll?
How can small businesses ensure compliance with payroll regulations?
What are common payroll mistakes for small businesses?
Small business payroll refers to how smaller companies handle employee wages, salaries, benefits, and tax withholdings, and ensure legal compliance.
The frequency of payroll depends on the business’s needs and local labor laws. Typical schedules include weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly, with biweekly being a popular choice for small businesses as it balances cash flow and employee expectations.
Small businesses are generally responsible for the same payroll taxes as larger companies. This includes federal income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA tax), federal and state unemployment taxes, and, in some cases, local taxes.
Small businesses can maintain compliance by utilizing a reliable payroll management system that automates tax calculations, benefits administration, direct deposits, and end-of-year reporting. These tools can simplify payroll by saving time, reducing errors, and helping businesses stay compliant as they expand.
Small businesses should be aware of mistakes like missing tax deadlines, misclassifying employees, and failing to keep records. Other common issues include incorrect wage calculations, overlooking overtime rules, and failing to update payroll systems when laws change.
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