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.

How Do I Hire a Temporary Employee?

March 21, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Spring is here and many seasonal businesses are beginning preparations for their busy season. For many, this includes hiring temporary seasonal staff to help handle the surplus of business in the warmer months. As an employer, you are used to hiring employees for full-time positions, but is there anything different when it comes to hiring […]

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring Temporary Workers

March 16, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

According to the American Staffing Association, there are approximately 3 million temporary and contract employees working for U.S. staffing companies during an average work week. That means there’s a wide range of skilled people usually available for work whenever most businesses need them. Even so, should your company hire temporary workers? Consider the following: Advantages […]

Double Check Your Paycheck

March 14, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

March and April… the time of year when trees start to bud, the days get a little brighter, and the tax refunds (or bills!) start rolling in. For some employees, the results of their personal income tax return might cause them to question their withholding and pay stubs. However, by the time tax time comes […]

I’m a Seasonal Business. Do I Still Need Workers’ Comp?

March 9, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Whether seasonal, temporary, or permanent, all workers always have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Likewise, employers should not assume that short-term employees do not need worker’s compensation insurance (workers’ comp) coverage. That can be a very costly mistake. So the question becomes, do businesses that rely on seasonal employees still need workers’ […]

New Retirement Plan Rules Impact Small Businesses

February 27, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act passed in 2019. The […]

Are You a Contractor or Employee?

February 21, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Are you an independent contractor or an employee? As the pandemic continues, many long-time employees are now picking up jobs as contractors. In the meantime, states like California are trying to force the definition of employees upon companies. Getting it wrong could cost you plenty in the way of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and other […]

Haven’t received your Form W-2 yet? The IRS can help

February 7, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

It’s tax time, and you need your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, to file an accurate federal tax return. If your employer hasn’t sent you the form yet, contact them and ask for a copy. Make sure they have your correct address. If you’re unable to get your Form W-2 from your employer, contact […]

8 Areas to Evaluate in Your Employee Handbook for 2023

January 23, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Looking at the state of the workforce today in 2023, so much has changed and evolved in the past three years. Has your small business’s Employee Handbook evolved with the times? There have been both major and minor updates to labor and employment laws at both the state and federal levels. To consistently enforce policies, […]

Wearable Devices at Work: Are Smartwatches Part of a Company’s Cell Phone Policy?

January 16, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

Did you receive a smartwatch during the holidays this year? While they are a fun tech gift to most, for others they may raise issues and impact the safety procedures and cell phone policies at their business. Depending on the company’s industry, smartwatches can actually cause complications when it comes to the traditional cell phone […]

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): What Small Businesses Need to Know

January 12, 2023 | posted by Abacus Payroll

In late December 2022, President Biden signed a new spending bill into law which included the newly founded Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act measures to federally protect pregnant workers and nursing mothers in the workplace. As the owner of a business, stay up-to-date on these new protections to […]