Frequently Asked Questions

We like to be transparent with our clients from the start of our partnership, so we've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought of (and some you may not) that we get asked most frequently.

How Do We Pay an Exempt Employee Who Works Part Time?

Compensating an exempt employee who works part-time involves careful consideration of legal requirements, company policies, and the employee’s needs. Here are some best practices to guide this process: Legal Requirements and Company Policies Understanding Exempt Status: Exempt employees are typically salaried, meaning they are not entitled to overtime pay under the…

What is the Secure Act 2.0? A Guide For Payroll Professionals

The Secure Act 2.0 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, aiming to make retirement savings more accessible and flexible for employees across the nation. Key provisions include changes to retirement plan contributions, expanded tax credits for employers, and specific incentives for small businesses to adopt retirement plans. These changes reflect…

What Happened to the Tip Credit Rule for Restaurants?

On August 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Department of Labor’s so-called “80/20/30” tip credit rule. The decision applies nationwide. In short, the rule required employers to pay tipped employees the full minimum wage—without a tip credit—for work time that was not directly tip-producing but was only tip-supporting if that work…

National Payroll Week – Celebrating the Unsung (Payroll) Heroes

Happy National Payroll Week 2024. This special week is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of payroll professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every worker gets paid accurately and on time. It’s a time to appreciate the precision, dedication, and expertise required to navigate the complex world…

Where Can I Find A Payroll Checklist For Setting Up My Business?

Running your first payroll can be overwhelming, but if you take care of the details ahead of time, you can put all your efforts into building your business. Here are some initial steps that can get you off on the right track. Initial Setup Determine Payroll Frequency Decide on a payroll…

Why Our Clients Love ‘Quick Links’

We caught up with Courtney Tucker (Yes, that is a gnome in her profile!) APlus Plus Payroll’s incredible Customer Support Supervisor to ask about one of her favorite shortcuts within our software, ‘Quick Links’ and why her clients love it: “All of my clients end up loving Quick Links. This magic…

How Can Tracking My Employee Data Improve My Business?

Tracking employee data can significantly enhance business operations by providing insights into workforce productivity, identifying training needs, and improving employee satisfaction. By analyzing patterns in attendance, performance metrics, and employee feedback, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s how we do it for our clients:…

Won’t I Lose Control If I Outsource My Payroll?

No, you’ll actually have more! A common concern is the potential loss of control over one of the most critical functions in the organization. However, when done correctly, outsourcing can actually enhance control, providing improved accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Here’s how: Enhanced Control Through Improved Accuracy Accuracy is paramount in payroll…

What Are The Pitfalls Of Using Large Payroll Providers?

Larger payroll companies are well-known for their comprehensive suite of services, but these often come with a price tag that may not be justified for smaller businesses, after the initial ‘introductory pricing’ has expired. These features, while valuable, can lead to higher costs that small businesses might find burdensome. Worst yet,…

Still Batch Processing Your Payroll? Is There a Better Option?

Yes there is. The recent updates in APlus Payroll’s payroll module brings one of several standout features including real-time payroll processing. This innovation allows businesses to process payroll instantly, reducing the wait time and eliminating the traditional batch processing delays. Real-time payroll processing ensures that any changes, such as wage adjustments…

Will Outsourcing Payroll Disrupt My Business?

It will disrupt it, but in a positive way! If you choose a Payroll Company that puts service over sales, they will build a process around you, rather than trying to have you shoehorn into their system. The fear of business disruptions, loss of control, and potential errors can make the…

What Are Some Useful, Yet Lesser Known, Payroll Reports?

From Payroll Reconciliation to an Overtime Analysis Report, APlus Payroll has a number of lesser know reports that can make a significant difference in your payroll operations. These reports offer deep insights and help streamline processes, ensuring your payroll runs smoothly and efficiently. Lesser-Known Payroll Reports 1. Payroll Reconciliation Report What…

How Do My Employees Get Their Payroll Passwords Reset?

As a client of APlus Payroll, you can either do it yourself from within your Admin Dashboard or have your Client Support Specialist take care of it for you. Managing employee accounts can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, but with the help of Client Support Specialists like our own…

10 Small Business Payroll Concerns That Keep Owners up at Night

From errors and inaccuracies to lack of transparency with their providers, here are 10 concerns that small business owners often face but may be hesitant to voice them openly. Here are some of the biggest concerns: Lack of transparency and communication: Many small business owners feel their payroll providers don’t…

Crowdstrike Outage: Should I Have a Payroll Plan B?

In short, always. Recently, Crowdstrike, a leading cybersecurity provider, experienced a significant outage that left many users scrambling. We’ll delve into what happened, its impact on HR and payroll professionals, and the critical importance of having a reliable backup plan. What Happened? The Crowdstrike outage lasted for several hours, disrupting services…

What’s Needed to Process Payroll Effectively?

Processing payroll effectively requires a combination of accurate data, reliable software, and a clear understanding of regulatory requirements. At the core, businesses need to maintain up-to-date employee records, including hours worked, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions. Processing payroll is a crucial task for any business, encompassing a variety of legal obligations…

What Is Payroll Fraud and How Do I Recognize It?

Payroll fraud occurs when employees or employers manipulate the payroll system for financial gain. It can happen in any organization, regardless of size, and can be challenging to detect without proper controls in place. Why is Payroll Fraud a Concern? Financial Losses: Payroll fraud can lead to substantial financial losses, affecting…

Why Is Your Employee Identification Number So Important?

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier assigned by the IRS to businesses operating in the United States. But why is an EIN so important? The significance of this nine-digit number goes beyond mere compliance to influence various aspects of business management, from payroll processing to opening bank accounts…

What Are Some Lesser Known Features of Our Payroll Software?

While many businesses are familiar with its core functionalities, there are numerous lesser-known features within our software that can significantly enhance your payroll operations and overall organizational efficiency. Listed below are six lesser known features, we will uncover these hidden gems, demonstrating how they can elevate your payroll management and ensure…

What Are the Challenges of Managing Payroll in the Gig Economy?

Managing payroll in the gig economy presents several unique challenges for businesses: Variable Work Hours and Payments: Gig workers often have inconsistent schedules, making it difficult to implement traditional payroll cycles and accurately calculate compensation. Worker Classification: Properly classifying workers as employees or independent contractors is crucial for tax and legal…

Do automated payroll systems reduce manual paperwork?

Absolutely, automated payroll systems drastically reduce manual paperwork. Let’s break down how they achieve this and the benefits they bring to the table. How Automated Payroll Systems Reduce Manual Paperwork Digital Data Entry: Automated systems allow employees to enter their own data digitally, eliminating the need for paper forms. This includes…

What Are the Consequences of Misclassifying Employees in Payroll?

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors in payroll can lead to severe consequences and penalties for companies. Here are some of the major consequences: Financial Penalties Companies may have to pay back wages, overtime pay, and benefits owed to misclassified employees, which can amount to significant sums. Employers face hefty fines and…

How Do I Process My Church Payroll Correctly?

Great question. We’ve listed below a clear guide that can help keep your house of worship running smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time church administrator or an experienced payroll professional, understanding these crucial aspects is essential for smooth operations. Unique Considerations for Churches Tax-Exempt Status Churches typically qualify for federal tax-exempt status…

Can I Have a Smooth Payroll Transition During a Merger?

Yes, it is possible, but it requires support and communication on all sides to make it happen. Mergers can be an exciting time for businesses, promising growth and new opportunities. However, these transitions also come with challenges, especially when it comes to integrating different payroll systems. For business owners and HR…

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Meet Payroll Paul

Payroll Paul first joined APlus Payroll in 2008. He specializes in helping build the customer service, marketing, and culture within the company; relying on his 40+ years of 'customer delight' experiences across six countries.

Paul Devlin