Once upon a time payroll was pretty simple. Figure each employee's gross pay, subtract federal, state and local taxes (and possibly three or four other deductions) and write a check for the net amount. Nothing stays simple for long though -- pretty soon along came direct deposit, 401(k) plans, cafeteria plans, vehicle allowances, the Earned Income Tax Credit, garnishments, third party sick pay, paycards, and a raft of other complications. For many small companies, payroll went from taking an hour or so each pay period to a process that can consume a whole day or more. And that's just to produce the paychecks -- there are usually various files to be written and reports to be filled out as well. Unless you have an accountant or a payroll service to handle things payroll can be a very confusing, time-consuming task. For a new employer it can be frustrating just figuring out how to get started; and even employers who've been at it for a while can run into problems when new situations arise or payroll laws change. The purpose of this book is to give a quick overview of what every employer needs to know about payroll.

There are a number of sources of information for employers that can provide more detailed explanations of different topics (IRS Publication 15 or "Circular E" being the most important one). Appendix A lists a few additional sources and many others can be found using internet search engines. NOTE: The information in this book deals primarily with payroll laws and practices in the United States.