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.

What Are the Hidden Costs of “Free”?

The lure of free services is everywhere—from free payroll services to complimentary trial subscriptions. While these offers can seem like a risk-free way to explore new products, they often come with hidden costs or compromises that can catch companies and consumers off guard. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the…

Whatever Happened to Great Service?

On a recent trip to the Rocky Mountains, I rented a car from one of these new Companies, a kind of ‘airbnb for car rentals’, where individuals rent out their cars via an app. It’s a decent concept and the ‘hosts’ are very nice but you can never get away from…

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…

Labor Day: Celebrating the Hustle and Heart of Hard Work

As we get ready to head into the Labor Day weekend, let’s remind ourselves what the holiday is all about. Labor Day, first celebrated in the late 19th century, emerged from the labor movement as a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a time…

HR News – California Court Takes Strong Stance On Harassment

A recent ruling by a California court has underscored the critical importance of addressing harassment and retaliation claims in the workplace. The court’s decision highlights the necessity for employers to maintain comprehensive employee handbooks, establish clear harassment reporting procedures, and implement open-door policies to encourage transparency and trust. The case emphasizes…

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:…

Are “No Fault” Attendance Policies Legal?

“No Fault” attendance policies, which discipline employees for absences without considering the reason, are generally legal in the United States. However, their legality depends on how they are implemented and whether they comply with federal, state, and local labor laws, particularly those concerning protected absences. Legal Framework: State and Federal Laws…

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…

How Can I Avoid Bad Hires?

Nothing you can do will prevent every regrettable hire, but you can reduce the likelihood of one. Fortunately, there are effective strategies you can implement to minimize the risks and ensure you’re bringing the best candidates on board. Let’s explore some practical steps to help you avoid bad hires. 1. Define…

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…

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…

How to Handle an Employee Who Is Suffering From Work Stress?

“This employee may just need to talk through their concerns and get your help prioritizing or delegating. They may, for example, feel like every single thing on their to-do list is life-or-death by Friday at close of business, when that’s not really the case. Some manager guidance can go a long…

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 EBITDA?

EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It’s a metric used to evaluate a company’s operating performance without factoring in financing decisions, accounting decisions, or tax environments. Essentially, EBITDA gives a clearer picture of a company’s core profitability from its normal business operations. Why is EBITDA Important? EBITDA…

What Are The Benefits Of A Time-Off Request Team View For HR?

The time-off request team view feature allows employees to see their team members’ schedules when requesting time off. This transparency ensures that employees can make informed decisions about when to take leave, reducing the likelihood of scheduling conflicts and ensuring smooth operations. Key Benefits of APlus’s Time-Off Request Team View 1.…

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…

HR Q&A – An Employee Has No PTO Left, Are They Still Allowed to Take It Unpaid?

It depends on why your employee needs the unpaid time off and what you’ve done in the past. In some situations, such as those that would be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, or a similar state law, the employee may…

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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