Payroll tips & guides
Practical advice for household employers, small business owners, and anyone who wants to understand payroll better.
FUTA Tax 2026: Rate, Wage Base, Credit Reduction States and How to Calculate Your Annual Liability
FUTA tax rate is 6% on the first $7,000 per employee in 2026, but most employers pay just 0.6% after the state credit. See credit reduction states and calculate your exact liability.
October 18, 2026
Washington State Payroll Tax Guide 2026: Rates, Deadlines and Employer Requirements
Washington State payroll taxes 2026: WA Cares Fund, PFML, L&I rates, and employer deadlines. Simple guide for small businesses with 1–10 employees.
October 16, 2026
Restaurant Payroll Guide 2026: Tips, Overtime and Tip Credit Rules for Restaurant Owners
Running restaurant payroll in 2026? Learn how to handle tip credits, calculate overtime for tipped employees, and stay compliant with federal and state rules.
October 15, 2026
Michigan Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Michigan payroll taxes 2026: flat 4.05% state income tax, SUI rates 0.06%–10.3%, plus federal obligations. Everything micro-business owners need to stay compliant.
October 14, 2026
How to Run Payroll for Small Business in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to run payroll for your small business in 2026. A simple step-by-step guide for micro-businesses with 1–10 employees covering setup, taxes, and pay stubs.
October 13, 2026
Georgia Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Georgia payroll taxes 2026 explained for small employers. State income tax rates, SUTA wage base, withholding rules, and filing deadlines in one clear guide.
October 12, 2026
New Jersey Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
New Jersey payroll taxes 2026 explained for small employers: state income tax withholding, SUI, SDI, FLI rates, and key filing deadlines in one guide.
October 11, 2026
Colorado Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Colorado payroll taxes 2026: state income tax rate, FAMLI, unemployment insurance, and withholding rules for small business employers. Updated rates inside.
October 10, 2026
When Do W-2s Come Out? Employee Guide to W-2 Receipt Dates 2026
W-2s must be sent by January 31, 2026. Learn exactly when to expect your W-2, what to do if it's late, and how to get it fast.
October 9, 2026
Ohio Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Ohio payroll taxes 2026 explained for small employers: graduated state income tax (2.765%–3.99%), school district taxes, SUI rates, local taxes, and withholding registration.
October 7, 2026
Pennsylvania Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Pennsylvania payroll taxes 2026: flat 3.07% state income tax, 307+ local EIT rates under Act 32, SUI rates, Philadelphia wage tax, and PA-W3 reconciliation deadlines.
October 6, 2026
W-2 Preparation Checklist for Employers 2026
Step-by-step W-2 preparation checklist for 2026. Covers Box 1–20 walkthrough, corrections, state deadlines, and the Jan 31 filing deadline for small employers.
October 5, 2026
Illinois Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Illinois payroll taxes 2026 explained: flat 4.95% state income tax, UI tax rates, FICA obligations, and Chicago employer notes. Simple guide for small businesses.
October 4, 2026
Q4 Payroll Deadlines 2026: Key Dates Every Employer Must Know
Don't miss a Q4 payroll deadline. Form 941 due Oct 31, FUTA deposit, W-2 prep window, and year-end bonus withholding — all key dates in one place.
October 3, 2026
Virginia Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Virginia payroll taxes 2026: graduated income tax 2%–5.75%, VEC SUTA rates, VA-6 withholding registration, new hire reporting, and filing thresholds for small employers.
October 2, 2026
Missouri Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Missouri payroll taxes 2026 explained: 5.3% flat income tax, SUI rates, St. Louis & Kansas City local earnings taxes, and withholding steps for small employers.
October 1, 2026
Louisiana Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Louisiana switched to a flat 3% income tax in 2025. Here's what employers must update in 2026: withholding tables, SUTA rates, Form L-4, and parish tax rules.
September 30, 2026
Alabama Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Alabama payroll taxes 2026 explained: state income tax rates, Jefferson County occupational tax, SUTA wage base, Form A-4 withholding, and new hire reporting for small employers.
September 29, 2026
Kentucky Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Kentucky payroll taxes 2026: flat 4% state income tax, 300+ local occupational taxes, SUTA rates, Form K-4 withholding, and new hire reporting — all in one guide.
September 28, 2026
W-2 Filing Deadline 2026: What Employers Need to Do Before January 31
The W-2 filing deadline for 2026 is January 31. Learn how to distribute W-2s to employees, e-file with the SSA, submit W-3 transmittals, and avoid penalties up to $630 per form.
September 27, 2026
California Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
California payroll taxes 2026 explained for small employers: SDI rates, PIT withholding, SUI, ETT, and step-by-step deposit deadlines. Updated for tax year 2026.
September 25, 2026
Iowa Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Iowa's flat 3.9% income tax arrives in 2026. Learn withholding registration, SUTA rates, school district surtax, and new hire reporting for Iowa employers.
September 24, 2026
Form 941 Q3 2026 Deadline: What Small Employers Must Do Before October 31
Form 941 Q3 2026 is due October 31. Learn what wages to report, how to calculate FICA, how to file on time, and what penalties apply if you miss the deadline.
September 23, 2026
Connecticut Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Connecticut payroll taxes 2026: graduated income tax (3%–6.99%), CT PFML 0.5% deduction, SUTA rates, Form CT-941 deadlines. Essential for CT household employers.
July 27, 2026
Wisconsin Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Wisconsin payroll taxes 2026: graduated income tax brackets (3.5%–7.65%), SUTA rates, DWD registration, filing deadlines, and the Milwaukee local tax myth — cleared up.
July 25, 2026
Maryland Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Maryland payroll taxes explained for small employers: state rates, county piggyback taxes, SUTA, Paid Family Leave 2026, and filing deadlines — all in one guide.
July 24, 2026
Indiana Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Indiana employers must withhold two layers of tax: 3.05% state income tax plus county tax in all 92 counties (0.5%–2.9%). Learn how to register, look up county rates, and file on time.
July 23, 2026
North Carolina Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
NC payroll taxes explained for small employers: 4.5% flat income tax, SUTA rates, withholding registration, quarterly deadlines, and new hire reporting for 2026.
July 21, 2026
Oregon Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Oregon employers face some of the most complex payroll tax rules in the US — income tax, Statewide Transit Tax, TriMet/LTD, and Paid Leave Oregon. Here's exactly what to withhold in 2026.
July 20, 2026
Nevada Payroll Taxes 2026: Employer Guide (No State Income Tax)
Nevada has no state income tax — but employers still owe FICA, FUTA, UI/SUTA, and the often-overlooked Modified Business Tax. Here's what to pay in 2026.
July 19, 2026
Minnesota Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
Everything MN employers need for 2026 payroll taxes: progressive income tax rates, SUTA, MW-1 filing, and the new Minnesota Paid Leave Act effective January 2026.
July 17, 2026
Tennessee Payroll Taxes 2026: What Employers Need to Know
Tennessee has no state income tax — but federal FICA, FUTA, and TN unemployment insurance (SUTA) still apply. Here's every employer obligation for 2026.
July 16, 2026
Massachusetts Payroll Taxes 2026: Complete Employer Guide
MA payroll taxes explained for small employers: 5% flat income tax, PFML contributions, unemployment insurance, Form M-941 filing, and new hire reporting.
July 15, 2026
Choosing the Best Household Employee Tax Software: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
Compare the best household employee tax software for 2026. Simplify nanny tax filing, Schedule H, and payroll for housekeepers, nannies, and home care aides.
June 28, 2026
Nanny Payroll Cost Comparison: What to Expect When Hiring Household Help
Compare nanny payroll costs in 2026: full-service agencies, payroll software, and DIY. See what household employers actually pay — and what's worth it.
June 27, 2026
Colorado Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, FAMLI Leave, and Employer Withholding Rules
Colorado payroll tax guide for 2026: flat 4.4% income tax rate, FAMLI paid leave contributions, withholding steps, and employer obligations for small businesses.
June 22, 2026
Michigan Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, Detroit City Tax, and Employer Withholding Rules
Michigan payroll taxes explained for 2026: 4.25% flat state income tax, Detroit city tax rates, and employer withholding rules for small businesses.
June 20, 2026
Arizona Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax Rates, Withholding, and Employer Obligations
Arizona payroll tax 2026: flat 2.5% state income tax, withholding rules, unemployment rates, and employer obligations — simple guide for small businesses with 1–10 employees.
June 19, 2026
New Jersey Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, SDI, FLI, and Employer Withholding Rules
Complete New Jersey payroll tax guide for 2026. Learn NJ state income tax rates, SDI and FLI contributions, and employer withholding rules for small businesses.
June 18, 2026
Washington State Payroll Tax Guide 2026: No Income Tax, WA Cares Fund & Paid Family Leave
Washington has no state income tax — but WA Cares Fund and Paid Family & Medical Leave deductions still trip up small employers. Here's exactly what to withhold in 2026.
June 17, 2026
Georgia Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, Withholding Rates, and Employer Obligations
Georgia payroll tax 2026: progressive income tax rates 1–5.75%, withholding tables, SUTA rates, and step-by-step employer obligations for small businesses.
June 16, 2026
Pennsylvania Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, Local EIT, and Employer Rules
Complete Pennsylvania payroll tax guide for 2026: state income tax rate, local earned income tax (EIT), SUI, employer withholding rules, and pay stub requirements for small businesses.
June 15, 2026
Ohio Payroll Tax Guide 2026: Withholding, Municipal Taxes, and SUTA for Employers
Complete Ohio payroll tax guide for small employers in 2026. State income tax withholding rates, municipal tax rules, and SUTA rates explained simply.
June 14, 2026
Illinois Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, Withholding, and Employer Obligations
Illinois payroll tax guide for 2026: flat 4.95% income tax rate, withholding rules, unemployment insurance, and what small employers must file and pay.
June 13, 2026
New York Payroll Tax Guide 2026: State Income Tax, SDI, and Employer Obligations
Complete guide to New York payroll taxes for 2026. State income tax rates, SDI contributions, MCTMT, and what micro-business employers must withhold and remit.
June 12, 2026
How to Run Payroll for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide for New Employers (2026)
New employer? Learn exactly how to run payroll step by step in 2026 — from setup to tax deposits. Simple guide for small businesses with 1–10 employees.
June 11, 2026
Florida Payroll Tax Guide 2026: No State Income Tax, But What Employers Still Owe
Florida has no state income tax, but employers still owe FICA, FUTA, and Florida Reemployment Tax. 2026 rate tables, RT-6 filing deadlines, and what small businesses must pay.
June 10, 2026
Payroll Deductions Explained: Mandatory vs. Voluntary Withholding Guide for Employers 2026
Learn which payroll deductions are legally required vs. optional in 2026. FICA, federal income tax, 401k, health insurance — explained for small employers.
June 9, 2026
Texas Payroll Tax Guide 2026: What Employers Owe Despite No State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax — but employers still owe FICA, FUTA, and TWC unemployment taxes. Here's exactly what small businesses must pay and file in 2026.
June 8, 2026
How to Do Payroll Yourself: DIY Payroll Guide for Small Businesses 2026
Learn how to do payroll yourself in 2026. Step-by-step: calculate gross pay, FICA, federal & state withholding, and net pay — plus when to switch to a tool.
June 7, 2026
California Payroll Tax Guide 2026: SDI, PIT, SUI Rates & Deadlines for Employers
California payroll taxes explained for small employers: 2026 SDI (1.1%), SUI rates, PIT withholding rules, EDD deadlines, and EIN registration in plain English.
June 5, 2026
Best Payroll Service for Small Business in 2026: Compared by Price, Features & Ease
Compare the best payroll services for small businesses in 2026. Honest breakdown of pricing, features, and ease of use — with a clear winner for 1–10 employees.
May 29, 2026
How to Run Payroll Step by Step: Complete Employer Guide 2026
Learn exactly how to run payroll in 2026: collect hours, calculate withholding, issue pay stubs, and file taxes. A hands-on guide for small businesses with 1–10 employees.
May 28, 2026
Private Household Staff Payroll: Schedule H, Nanny Tax & W-2 Guide (2026)
Learn how to do payroll for household employees in 2026. Covers Schedule H, nanny tax obligations, W-2 filing, and FUTA — step-by-step for domestic employers.
May 23, 2026
What Is a Pay Period? Weekly vs Biweekly vs Semi-Monthly
Learn what a pay period is and compare weekly, biweekly, and semi-monthly schedules so your small business pays employees the right way.
March 24, 2026
How to Calculate Overtime Pay: Federal Rules & State Differences
Learn how to calculate overtime pay for hourly and salaried employees. Step-by-step guide covering federal FLSA rules and key state differences.
March 11, 2026
What Is Payroll Software? A 2026 Guide for Small Businesses
Learn what payroll software is, how it works, and why your small business needs it in 2026. Simple guide for micro-businesses with 1-10 employees.
March 10, 2026
What Is a Household Employee? Complete IRS Guide for 2026
Learn the IRS definition of a household employee, how to tell employees from contractors, tax thresholds for 2026, and your obligations as a household employer.
February 19, 2026
Household Employee Taxes 2026: What You Owe and How to Pay
Learn exactly what taxes you owe for a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver in 2026. Covers FICA, FUTA, state taxes, thresholds, and a full worked example.
February 19, 2026
How Much Should You Pay Your Nanny? 2026 Rates + Calculator Guide
National average nanny pay rates for 2026, city-by-city comparisons, and a full cost calculator. Learn hourly vs salary, taxes, benefits, and total employer cost.
February 19, 2026
Independent Contractor Payroll: Software, Taxes, and Pay Stubs Explained
Learn how independent contractor payroll works, what 1099 software you need, self-employment tax obligations, and how contractors maintain income records.
February 19, 2026
The Complete Guide to Nanny Taxes in 2026
Everything you need to know about paying your nanny legally, from thresholds to tax credits. Learn about Social Security, Medicare, federal and state taxes for household employees.
January 28, 2026
New Household Employer? Here's Your Complete Checklist
Hiring a nanny, housekeeper, or caregiver? Follow this comprehensive checklist to set up payroll correctly and stay compliant with IRS requirements.
January 20, 2026
5 Payroll Mistakes That Cost Small Businesses Money
Avoid these common payroll errors that lead to IRS penalties, unhappy employees, and wasted money. Learn how to run payroll correctly the first time.
January 15, 2026
W-2 vs 1099: Why Your Nanny Is Almost Never a Contractor
Understanding the IRS rules for household employee classification. Learn why misclassifying your nanny as an independent contractor can lead to serious penalties.
January 10, 2026
How to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in 2026
Get up to $6,000 back when you pay your caregiver on the books. Learn eligibility requirements, how to calculate your credit, and maximize your tax savings.
January 5, 2026
Small Business Payroll 101: A Complete Beginner's Guide
New to running payroll? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about setting up and managing payroll for your small business.
December 28, 2025
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