AIPB’s goal, as your profession’s association, is to raise bookkeepers’ professional status. We do this by offering you online advanced bookkeeping courses and by keeping you current with our monthly member digital e-letter, The General Ledger.
AIPB offers members free help with on-the-job bookkeeping, QuickBooks and payroll questions.
Why is it important to count the number of vouchers and checks each pay payroll?
This process ensures that you have the same number of vouchers and checks recorded in the payroll register.
Is it legal to copy an employee’s Social Security card?
Yes, you are allowed to copy it for verification that the correct SSN and name are in your payroll system.
Can a new employee with a 401(k) from a former employer contribute to our 401(k) plan?
Yes, but the annual limit on contributions applies to the employee’s combined contributions to the two plans.
Is there a limit on how many times an employee can hand in a revised W-4?
No. The W-4 can be changed any time an employee’s lifestyle changes—losing a dependent, getting married or divorced, etc.—or if the employee’s income changes.
Must an employer ever pay double-time?
Not under federal law, but under some state laws, such as California’s.
Can we include other nontaxable reimbursements on a payroll check without worrying about taxes?
Yes, but the amounts must be identified as separate from wages. Many of the payroll systems have a code or option that simply reimburses employees for expenses they have already paid for (such as travel, mileage, etc.) after the tax calculation has been done.
Do we give an employee on permanent disability a W-2?
Yes, but the payments are exempt from FICA and FUTA. [IRC §3121(a)(13)]
Can the company require an employee to turn in a jury duty check to the company?
Only if you pay full wages for these days.
An employee who works at home wants to be made a statutory employee. Is there a difference?
Statutory employees are treated as employees for certain employment tax purposes. Their pay is subject to FICA, but not to FITW. Homeworkers are one class of statutory employees.
Must we pay more for Saturday or Sunday work?
Under federal law, premium pay is required only after 40 hours of work in the workweek. Union contracts may require special pay for weekend work, as might employer policy. Also, check your state’s laws.
How many vacation or sick days are required by law?
None. This benefit is determined by company policy and, in some cases, by state law.
Must we pay more for Saturday or Sunday work?
Not under federal law. But check your state laws and employment (i.e., union) contracts.
Is being “salaried” the same as being “exempt”?
No. Salaried employees are guaranteed a set dollar amount for at least a weekly period. They may or may not be exempt from overtime pay. Exempt employees do not have to be paid overtime.
