Are you using an AI tool to help you with your work tasks? Have you considered doing so? If so, read on. There are advantages to be had and risks to note. According to a Glassdoor report, in the year after the launch of ChatGPT, usage of that tool or those like it by professionals in the workplace more than doubled! Are you using an AI tool to help you with your work tasks? Have you considered doing so? If so, read on. There are advantages to be had and risks to note. What Is AI? Artificial intelligence (better known as AI) is an umbrella term for a machine’s ability to make predictions ..read more

While and IRS audit can be intimidating and the results will vary organization to organization, the full process is spelled out in IRS Publication 556. The basic steps are as follows: The IRS will contact you directly Though the IRS decides when, where, and how the examination occurs (i.e., via mail or in-person), you do get to provide input You can appoint a representative (i.e., your attorney or CPA) to handle the audit with or for you Provide documentation in support of your return(s) The IRS informs you of any proposed changes If you agree, sign and pay additional taxes, as needed If ..read more

Time sheets come in an array of formats. From handwritten papers and punch cards to typed spreadsheets and automated time clock systems, you have options. All that matters is that you find a time sheet style that is clear and concise for your company. This will greatly improve your company’s ability to manage both in-person and remote teams by ensuring that everyone remains consistent while following the same practices no matter their role in the business. What are the benefits of a time sheet policy? There are three main benefits of a time sheet policy: Improves the accuracy of payroll. Mak ..read more

The ways to pay employees — especially as money continues moving into the digital sphere — have proliferated. You have options. Choose the one that best fits your business. You may want to peruse the different methods to see which makes the most sense for your business in terms of costs and employer responsibilities. Consider the pros and cons Paychecks — Some employees may prefer the privacy of receiving paychecks because they don’t enjoy sharing banking information. But checks can get lost or stolen. Handwriting a paycheck can be time-consuming for employers. What about using a printer ..read more

At Payroll Partners, we understand the unique financial challenges and obligations faced by churches and nonprofit organizations, particularly when it comes to managing payroll. With 28 years of experience, we specialize in providing tailored payroll solutions that cater specifically to the needs of clergy and nonprofit staff. Here’s how we can help your church and nonprofit clients manage their payroll more effectively: Expertise in Clergy Payroll and Housing Allowances   Clergy payroll involves specific considerations, notably regarding housing allowances. A crucial benefit for clergy ..read more

Unless you want a surprise notification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it’s important to file all of your taxes on time. If you don’t file before the due date, you may need to request an abatement from the IRS. Fortunately, you can always remit your taxes early if you are uncertain about when they need to be paid. Filing Federal Employment Taxes If you have $1,000 or less in payroll liability, you can use Form 944 to file on an annual basis. After the fiscal year ends, this form is due by January 31 of the following year. Most businesses will need to file Form 941. This is filed eve ..read more

Question:  We’ve generally been tolerant of harmless pranks, but recently, an employee placed a suggestive picture on a coworker’s workstation and another employee saw it and complained. How should we respond? Answer:  It sounds like this prank could have crossed the line into harassment, even though the person who was offended wasn’t necessarily the intended target. As an employer, you have an obligation to prevent and deal with harassment complaints promptly and thoroughly. To that end, follow your standard procedure to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. Be sure ..read more

Paying overtime is not just a matter of paying employees the standard 1.5 times their normal pay rate when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Overtime payment errors can occur if you miss a payment: When employees work during break times. When employees travel between work sites. When employees are required to participate in activities outside normal hours for training, team building or company parties. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) indicates that employers must track employee time and ensure that they’re paid for the hours they’ve worked. Sometimes an employee who’s paid on a sa ..read more

Question:  Do we need to pay our summer intern? Answer:  Generally, yes, though it depends on who benefits most from their work. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has adopted the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether a worker is an employee (who must be paid in accordance with federal wage and hour law) or can be classified as an unpaid intern (a non-employee who is exempt from federal wage and hour law). If the worker is the primary beneficiary of the arrangement—as opposed to the employer—they can be classified as an unpaid intern. If the employer is the primary benefici ..read more

Tax credits and deductions change the amount of a person’s tax bill or refund. People should understand which credits and deductions they can claim and the records they need to show their eligibility. Tax credits A tax credit reduces the income tax bill dollar-for-dollar that a taxpayer owes based on their tax return. Some tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, are refundable. If a person’s tax bill is less than the amount of a refundable credit, they can get the difference back in their refund. To claim a tax credit, people should: Keep records to show their eligibilit ..read more