How to Prevent Payroll Mistakes
Payroll errors are costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your company’s reputation. From incorrect tax filings to miscalculated wages, even small mistakes can lead to compliance issues and financial penalties. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions and steps business owners can take to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth and efficient payroll process.
Common Payroll Mistakes
On average, U.S. businesses pay $4.5 billion annually in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payroll penalties. Payroll errors often lead to non-compliance with regulations, which quickly turn into an expensive penalty bill. While experts can make a variety of payroll errors, late filing, employee misclassification, and incorrect filings are among the most common.
- Missed deadlines: Whether you’re late submitting your weekly payroll or missing a payroll tax deadline completely, these late filings can lead to costly fines and hurt your credibility as an employer.
- Misclassification of Employees: Confusing contractors with employees can result in tax and compliance issues. It can also lead to employee distrust, which increases turnover and damages hiring efforts.
- Incorrect Tax Withholding: Failing to stay updated on tax laws can lead to underpayment or overpayment, leading to unnecessary expenses and noncompliance risk.
Ways to Prevent Payroll Errors
While some payroll errors fall through the cracks, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of mistakes. Continue reading to learn several ways to prevent errors and minimize the risk involved.
Automate Where Possible
Utilizing an automated payroll system is a great way to streamline processes and minimize calculation errors. With payroll software, you can automate overtime, tax, and deduction calculations, saving yourself time and reducing your stress. Payroll software can also improve employee security and flexibility by storing important information in a safe and secure portal. Employees can also access their paychecks, schedule paid time off (PTO), and more.
Laws and regulations are changing every day, and it’s important to stay current on payroll and tax laws as they evolve. Missing a law change can lead to noncompliance, resulting in costly penalties and fines. To ensure compliance, regularly visit government tax or labor sites that post law updates or changes, and consult payroll or financial experts on how to implement any changes.
Prioritize Documentation
When it comes to payroll, it’s important to prioritize employee information. Storing their personal records, such as their social security numbers or bank account numbers, is vital for proper payment and security. By keeping these records safe and easily accessible, you can ensure proper and timely payment for your employees.
Regularly Review Information and Processes
Technology and employee information change all the time. Employees may move; they might get a raise or close a bank account; it’s important to be aware of any changes so that you can update your records and continue to provide correct and timely payment. If you utilize payroll automation software, it’s important to stay current on software updates or process changes. To avoid any technical difficulties or improper payment, make quarterly checklists focused on verifying employee information, making proper software updates, and reviewing direct deposit amounts.
How Group Management Services (GMS) Can Help
As a business owner, you didn’t start your company to be buried in direct deposit forms and payroll checks. You started your business to do what you love and find success while doing it. Companies like Group Management Services (GMS) allow you to focus on business growth while taking on the burden of running payroll, ensuring tax compliance, and calculating overtime deductions. GMS’ payroll software is a safe and secure portal that stores employee information and automates processes, so you don’t have to worry about any discrepancies.
GMS’ team of financial experts can ensure your compliance, whether you operate in one state or multiple. If you have a tax question or are concerned about changing regulations, our team is here to provide guidance and expertise to help your business grow and thrive. To learn more about our payroll services, click here!