This week’s question comes from Luna, a business owner: I have employees who bicycle to work; can I reimburse them for their costs? Answer: §132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code has been amended by §211 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (Public Law 110-343 or...
This week’s question comes from Dan, a business owner: I just found out that I had an ADP failure. What can I do to fix it? Answer: ADP failures are unfortunately too common, but Vision Payroll can easily help fix them. ADP, or Actual Deferral Percentage, and ACP, or...
This week’s question comes from Jennifer, an office manager: A new employee gave me a Form W-4 claiming exemption from federal income tax withholding. Can I give him a paycheck without withholding federal income tax? Answer: An employee who gives you a valid Form W-4...
This week’s question comes from Joe, a payroll administrator. I’m always busy at year-end. Is there anything I can do now to make 2008 year-end easier? Answer: There are several things that can be done to ease the year-end crunch. Review each employee’s basic...
This week’s question comes from Mel, a small-business owner. I’ve heard that the Massachusetts HIRD report must now be filed on a quarterly basis. Is the report due November 15 for the third quarter? Answer: The Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD)...
This week’s question comes from Denise, a sole proprietor. I just hired my husband to work for me in my business. I’m a sole proprietor. Can I pay my husband through payroll? Answer: If your husband (or wife) is a bona fide employee of you in your trade or business,...
This week’s question comes from Cheryl, a sales rep. I’m applying for a mortgage and need to know how much I’ve earned this year. Can you tell me how much I’ve earned so far this year? Answer: Due to privacy concerns, only authorized personnel from each client are...
This week’s question comes from Harold, a business owner. I own a business in Massachusetts. Can I switch from a weekly to a bi-weekly pay period? Answer: Under Massachusetts law it is allowable to change to a bi-weekly pay period as long as employees are provided...
This week’s question comes from Crystal, an office manager. I have an employee who wants to have his paycheck direct deposited into his account. How long will it take for the direct deposit to become active? Answer: Vision Payroll will prenote all Automated Clearing...
This week’s question comes from George, a business owner. We’re planning an end-of-summer party with bonuses for our employees. I’d rather give them live checks for their bonuses. Can I stop an employee’s direct deposit one time only? Answer: You can easily stop...
This week’s question comes from Mark, owner of an import company. I receive the same salary every week. All year, my Massachusetts income tax withholding has been the same. Now it’s gone up two weeks in a row. Why did this happen? Answer: In Massachusetts, a deduction...
This week’s question comes from Donna, an office manager. An employee wants to change the number exemptions (withholding allowances) claimed. What should I do? Answer: Have the employee complete and sign Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Always...
This week’s question comes from Jon, a sole proprietor: I run my business as a sole proprietorship. Can I pay myself wages and withhold taxes? Answer: Sole proprietors are considered self-employed and are not employees of the sole proprietorship. They cannot pay...
This week’s question comes from Louisa, an HR manager: We have individuals who perform services for us. Does Massachusetts have any laws to determine if these individuals are our employees or independent contractors? Answer: In Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), c....
This week’s question comes from Kevin, HR Director: One of my employees is applying for a mortgage and needs several pay stubs. Unfortunately, he threw his away. What’s the best way to get them? Answer: Online Employer’s Employee Services is a self service, web-based...
This week’s question comes from Jasmine, a business owner: I’m on the road visiting clients and can’t always call my hours in during the day. I’m also out-of-town frequently. What’s the best way for me to submit my payroll information? Answer: Online Employer is the...
This week’s question comes from Felix, a payroll manager: I have an employee who worked 34 hours last week. Since we pay eight hours for Independence Day even though we don’t work, do I need to pay two hours of overtime? Answer: Nothing in the Fair Labor Standards Act...
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