Small Business Payroll Guide

From Healthcare reform and technology developments to HR issues facing small businesses just like yours , let us keep you up-to-date on all things payroll.

Look through our FAQs to find straight forward answers to commonly asked tax and payroll questions. Use our tools and calculators to make simple tax and pay calculations.

Still can’t find the answer? No problem. Ask Abacus gives you the opportunity to pose those vexing questions to our payroll and tax experts.

COVID-19 and Your Employees: Can You Require Vaccination?

April 27, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

As of April 2021, many adult Americans are finally eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. To keep employees and customers safe, employers may be wondering: Can I require my employees to be vaccinated? It is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no answer. While it is a personal health issue, federal and state […]

When to Say Goodbye to Your Current Payroll Provider

April 22, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Payroll is a must-have for most businesses, but payroll providers are not one-size-fits-all. Whether payroll is an in-house function, or you elect to outsource your payroll, make sure your process is efficient and keeps you compliant with all FLSA, IRS, state, local, and other payroll tax laws. Take a look at your current outsourced vendor […]

2021 FFCRA Updates for Employers and Employees

April 7, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Following the American Rescue Plan Act passed on March 11, 2021, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) paid sick leave tax credits have been expanded. As an employer or an employee, here’s what you need to know about what is still available in 2021. Background on Paid COVID-19 Leave and Employer Credits […]

WEBINAR – Virtual Onboarding

March 3, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Abacus Payroll, Inc. and Alloy Silverstein announce our upcoming webinar on the importance of successful virtual onboarding for your remote workforce featuring guest speaker John Baldino, MSHRD SPHR SHRM-SCP. Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM ET Register: Click Here Virtual Onboarding: A Link, A Plan, A Heartbeat, and a Little Bit […]

Payroll FAQs

February 24, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

What is your payroll FAQ about? Federal Taxes Q: As an employer, what are my federal payroll tax responsibilities for 2021? A: FICA rates require a 6.2% Social Security tax and 1.45% Medicare tax. There is an additional Medicare surtax of 0.9% for incomes exceeding $200,000 to be withheld from each employee’s paycheck. The employer’s match […]

Available Tax Credits for Employers Voluntarily Extending Paid Leave

February 17, 2021 | posted by Abacus Payroll

While we have entered a new year, the COVID-19 pandemic is still surging through the country. There are important changes to paid sick leave regarding the coronavirus that employers should know about. No Mandatory Extension of the FFCRA The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law in March of 2020. This law […]

NJ Minimum Wage Updates for 2021

December 17, 2020 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Back in 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law and set in motion a 5-year plan to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. Most businesses will increase from $11 to $12 per hour at the start of the year. As a small business employer, here’s what you need to know […]

Tips for Successfully Hiring & Onboarding Virtually

July 15, 2020 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Even if your business is up and running as usual, you may not be willing to bring in multiple people into the office for interviewing. Many businesses are continuing to operate remotely for the foreseeable future. Therefore, virtually hiring and onboarding is the “new normal” for most businesses. Here are some tips to help you […]

Supporting Diverse Employees in the Workplace

June 25, 2020 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Being an inclusive and accepting workplace is not only right for societal reasons but important for your business. Having a team of individuals of different races, genders, sexualities, religions, and more can help bring in fresh perspectives and ideas to your business. A diverse workforce can better understand different customers and what they may be […]

Form W4: Have Your Employees Updated Their Federal and State Forms?

June 24, 2020 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Payroll 101 is withholding the appropriate amount of federal, state, and local income taxes for all employees. How do you know what to deduct? It is up to the employee to fill out a Form W4. Earlier this year, the IRS introduced a new Federal W4 Form for employee income tax withholdings. If an employee […]