Articles written by Erin Ellison
What is gross pay vs. net pay: Here's the differences
Get the full rundown on gross pay vs. net pay, and what each means for paying your employees and running payroll.
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Payroll outsourcing: 7 signs it’s time for outside help
Is doing payroll yourself starting to feel tough? Get advice on when to look for help.
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IRS Form SS-8: Instructions for 2025 + PDF Download
Have questions about classifying employees? The IRS can help if you submit Form SS-8. Get the basics on what it is, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes PDF.
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Choosing the right business entity type for your new company
Want to choose the right legal business structure for your small business? Here’s an easy-to-understand overview of common entity types.
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HR compliance: What small business owners need to know
If you’re wondering about HR compliance for small businesses, look no further. We’ve covered the issues that matter most for employers.
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What is the Main Street Lending Program?
Get answers about the Main Street Lending Program and how it can help your small to mid-sized business.
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How does the WARN Act affect potential layoffs?
If you’re considering layoffs, make sure you understand WARN Act requirements. We’ve broken it all down for small business owners.
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How small businesses can build a strong company culture
Company culture defines how your employees interact with your business and leadership. Here are 4 ways to build a strong one — plus some remote worker tips.
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How to recall employees after a furlough
If your small business is ready to return furloughed employees, there are a few procedures to keep in mind. Here’s how to do it plus a free notification letter template.
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How to pay remote employees and contractors
If your employees are working out-of-state, there are a few things to remember as you manage payroll for remote employees and contractors.
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The difference between a furlough and a layoff
If you’re facing the tough decision to reduce your workforce and payroll, you’ll need to understand the difference between a layoff and a furlough.
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How the CARES Act helps small businesses, their owners, and employees
We’ve created this simple guide to the CARES Act for small business owners to answer questions about how it helps and what it means for your business.
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Employee retention tax credits in the CARES Act
The CARES Act provides for refundable payroll tax credits to certain employers. Does your business qualify? Here’s how the tax credits work.
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The CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program
The CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program will enable many small business owners to receive loans of up to $10 million. See how it works and if your business qualifies.
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Remote verification for Form I-9: New COVID-19 requirements
Learn about the Department of Homeland Security’s new rule to make hiring easier during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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COBRA Health Coverage: What Employers Need to Know
If you have questions about how COBRA insurance works or how it applies to any laid off or terminated employees, our Employer’s Guide to COBRA can help.
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Four steps for handling employee terminations the right way
Whether it’s firing someone or laying them off, employee terminations aren’t an easy conversation for either side. This guide will help you handle it with grace.
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What is unemployment insurance and how does it work?
If you’re wondering who and what unemployment insurance covers, this article will help you get a handle on what it is and how to apply for the benefits.
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How to create a smarter work-from-home policy
If you need to create an effective remote work policy for your small business, here’s how to establish clear guidelines and add them to your employee handbook.
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For Your Blog: Payroll 101 for Small Businesses
Please feel free to add this article to your website or blog to help offer helpful information to your clients about payroll-related issues.
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How to run effective performance reviews
Performance reviews and employee feedback can help you get a lot more out of your team. Here are 6 tips to get them right.
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Workplace harassment training: Requirements and resources for small businesses
Learn how to run a safe and respectful workplace. Includes state-by-state harassment training requirements, plus best practices.
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The best way to interview candidates for your business
Learn the fundamentals of conducting a successful interview and how to find the right talent for your small business.
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Creating an employee handbook for your small business
Everything you need to know before you start crafting (or overhauling) your staff handbook.
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Start here: HR basics for small business owners
Human resources for small businesses might feel daunting, but this handy guide to the basics will get you started.
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Need guidance on how to offer employee benefits? Start here
From health insurance to 401(k)s, we’ll give you the information you need to put together a great benefits package.
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The ultimate employee onboarding checklist: Employer’s guide with new hire to-dos
Our comprehensive onboarding checklist will help you stay compliant and make sure your employees have a great first day.
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Picking the perfect pay schedule for your business
Get help choosing the right pay period for your company. See the pros and cons of a bi-weekly schedule, a bi-monthly pay period, and other options.
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Form 8832 Instructions for 2025 + PDF download
Want to change your business tax status? Then you need to file IRS Form 8832. Get the basics on what it is, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes PDF.
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10 steps to keep Uncle Sam off your back (and out of your pocket) in 2025
These 10 simple things small business owners can do to make tax time easier can be started today — and are well worth the time.
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Everything every small business owners should know about payroll tax deductions
Get the complete rundown on payroll deductions for FICA, FUTA, state, and other payroll taxes. We make it easy to understand.
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How to calculate payroll taxes: Step-by-step instructions
Make payroll mistakes a thing of the past. These step-by-step instructions to calculate employer payroll taxes (plus tax rates) will help you get it right.
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What employers need to know about wage garnishments
Here’s what to do when you get a wage garnishment notice for one of your employees. Don’t worry — getting payroll garnishments right isn’t that hard!
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What is FUTA? 2025 Federal Unemployment Tax Rates and Info
Figuring out FUTA? Here’s all you need to know about Federal Unemployment Tax, including tax rates, calculations, tax credits, and paying the IRS.
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What is the FICA tax? 2025 tax rates and instructions
Get the full rundown on FICA taxes. We make it easy to understand Medicare and Social Security taxes, current FICA tax rates, and more.
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Form 941 2025: Updated instructions and PDF Download
There’s a new IRS Form 941 as of March 2025. Here’s a primer to help you fill out your Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Includes PDF.
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IRS Form 943 for 2025: Simple instructions and PDF download
If your business has agricultural employees, you probably need to file IRS Form 943. Get the basics on what it is, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes PDF.
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Form 940 for 2025: Instructions to complete this IRS form plus PDF download
If your business has employees, you probably need to file IRS Form 940. Get the basics on your federal unemployment tax return, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes PDF.
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W-2 Form 2025 PDF plus simple instructions on how to fill it out
If your business has employees, you probably need to prepare and file a W-2 for each of them. Get the basics on what it is, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes PDF.
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Choosing a payroll provider for your business? 10 questions to ask
Check out the 10 questions to ask when choosing a payroll provider. From getting the right features to spotting hidden fees, find everything you need to know.
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Payroll tax withholding: Everything employers need to know
Understand all the basics of payroll tax withholding in just a few minutes. Our detailed guide has all the answers for small business owners.
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W-3 form 2025: Simple instructions on to complete this IRS Form and PDF download
Working on your end-of-the-year W-3? We’ll help you understand what it is, when to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes printable form.
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I-9 Form 2025 PDF: Simple instructions + US Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 Download
Do you need to file Form I-9 for a new employee? We’ll help you understand what it is, when you need to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes printable form.
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1099 form 2025 (NEC/MISC): Simple instructions + PDF download
Do you need to file Form 1099? Which one? We’ll help you understand what it is, when you need to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes printable forms.
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IRS Form 944 for 2025: Simple instructions and PDF download
Do you need to file Form 944? We’ll help you understand what it is, when you need to file it, and how to fill it out. Includes printable form.
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Owner’s draw vs. salary: How to pay yourself as a business owner
What’s the best way to pay yourself if you’re a small business owner? Learn the pros and cons of owners’ draws and salaries for different business types.
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Common payroll tax forms and deadlines for the 2025 tax year
Find simple instructions and best practices for running payroll on your own.
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The quick guide to setting up payroll the first time
Get a simple to-do list for getting your business ready to pay employees the right way.
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