5 Tips for Setting Up a New Company's Payroll

If you don't know the first thing about setting up payroll for your company, there is no better time than now to learn. After all, this is something you need to figure out sooner rather than later.

Hiring a new employee can be exciting, stressful, and time-consuming. Before the person ever settles in for their first day on the job, you can expect to receive a lot of questions. Many of these will be based around benefits and the payroll process.

Some small business owners handle all payroll matters, while others pass this off to a human resources professional or other employee (such as an officer manager). Either way, you must make sure you are in position to answer any question that comes up.

Here are several new hire payroll questions you should expect to hear:

• How can I set up for my paycheck to be directly deposited into my bank account?
• Which steps must I take in order to change my tax withholdings in the future?
• Do you take care of paying local taxes or is this something I have to do on my own?
• Can you explain the types of taxes that will be deducted from my paycheck?
• What should I do in the event that I lose my check or the money is not deposited into my account?

Some of these questions are likely to be asked by every person you hire. Others may not be as common, but they are sure to come up from time to time.

If you are a "one-man show," you may never have to answer any of these questions. But the second you decide to hire an employee is the second you should learn more about the payroll process.

Tips for Getting Started

Before we go any further, it is important to note that the steps you take to get started may not be the same as the next company. For example, the state in which your company is located could impact how you move forward.

Here are five general tips for getting started:

1. Request an employer identification number (EIN). Before you do anything, you should contact the IRS to get an employer identification number. You will use this number time and time again, including when it comes time to setup payroll.

2. Check state and local laws. Does your state and/or local government require an ID number to process taxes? If you cannot dig up this information on your own, don't be shy about contacting your tax professional for assistance.

3. Don't overlook the importance of employee paperwork. If you are hiring full or part-time employees, they must fill out federal income withholding form W-4. This will ensure that you are withholding the appropriate federal income tax during each pay period.

4. Choose a pay period. There are many options, including monthly and bi-monthly, so make sure you consider the pros and cons of each.

Note: since you don't want to change pay periods regularly, do your best to make the right decision the first time around.

5. Select a payroll provider. Although you may be tempted to handle everything on your own, you are better off choosing a payroll company that can provide you with the assistance you need regardless of your location or requirements. Click here for a price quote on easy online payroll services.

With these five tips guiding you, setting up payroll for a new company does not have to be a challenge.