Editor’s Note

An expensive one-stop end-to-end technological tool, or a leaner, cheaper, single-target HR software solution with great functionality? Choosing the perfect HR software for your needs isn't about whether it's cheaper or expensive – it's about choosing the right expense.

HR Software - Cheap Or Expensive: What suits you better?

What if I try to save money, face a problem not covered by the software I use, and end up having to spend more anyway? Can I justify spending more on a one-stop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution at this stage of my business? What if I need that money to extend my runway by a few months soon enough? Will my business suffer if I invest in an all-purpose software suite to handle my workforce at this juncture? What if I make the wrong choice?

HRIS and Payroll Excellence Advertisers: February 2016

How To Contribute To US Pension While Overseas?: Key factors to consider

US citizens who are working abroad have unique tax challenges that include the treatment of pension contributions made while on foreign assignment. Pensions such as IRAs and 401(K)s among others, have specific contribution limits and rules that may be affected by an expat worker’s presence in a foreign country. There are several key factors that must be considered when deciding how to contribute to a US pension while overseas, but there is no hard and fast rule that will apply in every situation.

5 Payroll Problems You May Be Overlooking: Don’t let these affect your payroll?

Payroll pros know the danger of their profession. One wrong decimal point and you could be staring down the barrel of legal fines and litigation. Yet even the most careful payroll professionals can overlook some simple problems that cost your business money and productivity. Open the books and find out whether your payroll is being affected by these easy-to-miss problems.

PEO, ASO, Or HRO - Which Is Right For You?: Let’s understand what each has to offer

As you’re looking into outsourcing some or all of your HR functions, you will come across a number of different acronyms representing different types of providers. These differing approaches to outsourcing carry different benefits and ramifications for your business, which is why it’s important to understand what they can (and cannot) do for you. Here we’ll take a look at three of the most common types of HR outsourcing providers: PEO, ASO, and HRO.

FLSA Changes: Are You Ready: Let’s check what the overtime and salary exemptions changes mean

Human Resources and Payroll departments need to be preparing now for the proposed Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) changes that are anticipated to be announced in July.These proposed changes include raising the minimum salary threshold to $970 a week, or $50,400 a year.Currently, the threshold is $23,660 per year or $455 per week.What this means for employers is that anyone not at or above those new levels must be paid overtime.

What Is In My W-2?: Here’s the updated information for 2016

So many boxes, numbers, letters. Lots of blank spaces with tiny type above them asking about things like wages, Social Security, Medicare, tips, etc. What does it all mean? What goes in these boxes really? What is the control number and where is it located (see our description of Box D)? Employers are required to file the W-2 Form for employees who are paid more than $600 and for whom taxes are withheld on income, social security and medicare. A payroll service typically produces W-2s for employers.

Independent Contractors And Non-Competes: What to do when you get a mix of both?

The short answer is…. well, there is no short answer. What? Do independent contractors and non-compete agreements mix or not? Maybe. Most often probably not, but sometimes yes. OK, that’s more double-talk than usual. What gives? When can and can’t a company compel an independent contractor to sign a binding non-compete without a risk of liability for worker misclassification? That is this week’s loaded question, which we will parse out after the jump…

How To Overcome Tax-Filing Issues?: Time to get your four common problems solved

Actually, the preparation that goes into organizing employees’ tax forms can stress out even the most experienced HR professionals. Each new year comes with new reporting problems. For example, a report published in EPI estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of employers misclassify at least one employee as an independent contractor.