Learning center

Get everything you need to know about improving your business operations, from running payroll to offering employee perks that attract top talent — and encourage your best performers to stick around.

    Payroll processing fundamentals plus 10 steps to get this process right

    Get everything you need to know about how payroll processing works in this easy-to-read guide co-written and reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant.

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    10 steps to keep Uncle Sam off your back (and out of your pocket) in 2024

    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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    IRS lookback periods 101: a comprehensive guide to deposit schedules

    Unsure how an IRS lookback period works? This guide covers Form 941 and 944 deposit schedules, including examples and insights from tax pros.

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    Forgot to file Form W-2? Understand the penalties and what to do next

    Forget to file Form W-2? Understand the penalties and how to avoid them with pro tips from a current CPA and former IRS revenue agent.

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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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    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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    Background check basics and screening tips for employers to make better hiring decisions

    Take charge of your hiring process with our employer's guide to background checks, with expert tips and best practices for employee screening and risk mitigation.

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    The basics of new hire reporting requirements for employers

    Small businesses are required to report new hires to their state. Here are some tips to help you remain compliant with new hire reporting requirements.

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    Disability insurance demystified: Choosing between short-term and long-term coverage

    Learning about the benefits of disability insurance? Our guide simplifies the choice between short-term and long-term coverage for your business.

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    Requirements for offering employee benefits (and why it’s a good idea anyway)

    Understand the benefits you need to provide your employees as an employer and business owner.

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    Probationary period insurance: Why it's 90 days and what employers should know

    Use our employer’s guide to the Affordable Care Act's 90-Day Waiting Period to know when eligible employees should receive access to health coverage.

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    Employer’s guide to understanding annual increases to health insurance rates

    Health insurance rates rise at renewal time? Find out some of the most common reasons your bill goes up at the end of the year

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    BACKED BY EXPERTS

    Content you can count on

    To make sure you get the best, most accurate information, all our content is written and reviewed by experts who really know their stuff when it comes to small business payroll, HR, and compliance.

    Dive into the payroll particulars

    It may not exactly be fun, but processing payroll doesn’t have to be painful, either. If you ever encounter a problem or need more help, we’ll always be here. We do all the math, pay your employees, and file payroll taxes for a low monthly fee. We’ll even talk to the IRS if something ever goes wrong.

     

    But if you’re doing things yourself (like 40% of small business owners), you can probably find answers to all your payroll questions here, in addition to comprehensive resources on growing a team and offering benefits. Good luck with payroll (and everything else), and our team is ready to help if you ever need any help with the process!

    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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    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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    How do state-mandated retirement plans affect your business?

    See what’s required in your state and understand the best way to offer your employees a great retirement plan.

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    TOOLS

    Add it up with our state tax calculators

    If you’re having a hard time finding local information, we also pulled together a detailed list of state tax agencies, tax rates, and free calculators to help you with the math:

    Take care of your humans, we’ll give you the resources

    Your employees make your business go, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of them. From recruiting and onboarding to company culture and exit interviews, handling HR well can help keep everyone happier and working harder — and it can help you avoid headaches and fines down the road.

     

    Since HR is a complex and constantly evolving topic, our learning center contains guides and resources designed for small business owners. We’ll carefully walk you through a variety of human resources topics, tips, policies, and procedures with clear examples and wisdom from small business owners like you.

    How to set up direct deposit for employees with ease

    Learn about setting up direct deposit for your company, including how it works, and what the benefits are for employees and employers.

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    How does PTO work and why paid time off is a perk many employers offer employees

    How does PTO work? This guide explains why many employers use paid time off to recruit new hires, ways to offer it, and benefits it can have for organizations and their workers.

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    Requirements for offering employee benefits (and why it’s a good idea anyway)

    Understand the benefits you need to provide your employees as an employer and business owner.

    Read more

    Staying ahead of state compliance

    Employers have no shortage of to-dos, not to mention keeping up with state-specific rules and regulations. Below are some resources to help you keep up with requirements such as workers’ compensation and paid family leave rules, where applicable.

    State-by-state rules and requirements for employers

    Harassment trainingWorkers’ comp

    State-by-state rules and requirements for employers

    Select your state from the drop-down menu to see harassment training requirements.

    Select your state from the drop-down menu to see workers’ compensation requirements.

    Find benefits guides, articles, and more

    Employer-sponsored benefits are a way to give your employees something that goes above and beyond good wages — like health insurance, retirement savings, paid vacation, and commuter benefits. Depending on the size of your business, some benefits are required; others are voluntary.

     

    But no matter what benefits you choose for your employees, your decision-making process should start with understanding what’s out there, how much it’s going to cost, and what makes sense for your team. That is why you will find comprehensive resources on benefits administration, covering everything from creating PTO policies and finding health coverage to setting up retirement savings programs.

    11 Common payroll errors for employers to prevent (plus tips to avoid mistakes altogether)

    This primer covers 11 common payroll errors that employers make when paying employees and how business owners can avoid them.

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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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    HSA how-to on health savings accounts: Employers and employees' shared advantages

    This employer’s guide to health savings accounts explains how HSAs work and why they can be a win-win for both employers and employees.

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    Keep learning and growing

    We are always creating new resources with business owners like you in mind. Below, you’ll find our latest guidance on managing payroll, administering HR, and setting up employee benefits. Our content is conversational, shares real-world examples, features insights from subject matter experts — and also includes state and federal resources to help you find the information you need. Thank you for including our team in your business journey.

    Colleagues work in office space - hierarchy culture

    What is hierarchy culture in the workplace? Pros and cons

    A hierarchy culture is a type of corporate culture with a clear chain of command operating from the top down.

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    Form 945: Getting familiar with this IRS document and instructions on completing it

    Learn what Form 945 is and how to complete this important IRS tax form for reporting federal income taxes withheld from non-payroll payments in 2025.

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    Salary vs. hourly pay: Employer's guide on the difference and how to choose one for your business

    Explore the differences between salaried and hourly employees, from payment structure to benefits, and find out which option suits your needs.

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    What is benefits administration? An HR guide

    An overview of benefits administration, including processes, compliance tips, and tools. Ideal for HR professionals managing benefits programs.

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    Form 7004: Business owner's guide to tax extensions and how to complete IRS form 7004

    In this business owner's guide, learn what IRS Form 7004 is used for, why businesses should be familiar with it, and how to complete it. Includes PDF.

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    What is SUI? Your 2024 guide to state-by-state SUI tax rates

    Learn what SUI (State Unemployment Insurance) is and get a state-by-state breakdown of 2024 SUI tax rates in this comprehensive guide.

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    Employer’s guide on how to make and print a payroll check

    Learn how to make and print payroll checks with this simple step-by-step guide. Perfect for small business owners managing payroll in-house.

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    10 HR metrics every employer should track for business success

    Get familiar with 10 key HR metrics every business should track. Learn how these metrics improve workforce planning, productivity, and employee retention.

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    Payroll cash: How to legally pay employees in cash

    Find out how to pay employees cash legally, ensuring tax compliance, accurate documentation, and adherence to laws. A guide for business owners.

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    LET’S DO THIS

    A better way to
    get payroll right

    Try OnPay out yourself to see how easy payroll and HR can be. To get started, just share a few basic details about your business. Our team of pros will set everything up and import your employees’ information for you.