We all know year-end payroll processing is a complex method of accurately calculating taxes, compensation, and deductions to be withheld. But many errors occur when common mistakes are overlooked during this busy time of year. Below, we have compiled seven tips to help you eliminate those potential errors during year-end payroll processing so this time of year is a little less stressful.
$50 per Form W-2 if you correctly file within 30 days of the due date, with a maximum penalty of $545,500 ($191,000 for small businesses).
$100 per Form W-2 if you correctly file more than 30 days after the due date but by August 1, 2019; a maximum penalty of $1,637,500 per year ($545,000 for small businesses).
$270 per Form W-2 if you correctly file after August 1, or you do not file required Forms W-2; a maximum penalty of $3,275,000 per year ($1,091,500 for small businesses).
Furthermore, employee Forms W-2 and 1095-C must match what is printed on social security cards. For example, if an employee’s name is hyphenated on their social security card, but not on their Form W-2 or Form 1095-C, the IRS will return this as an error. Failure to verify this information as correct may result in penalties.
Employers need to make sure all employee data is accurate so they can avoid W-2 reprint fees. Employers who use a payroll processing company may have an online service where employees can review and correct data. If so, encourage your employees to use it as a means to review and edit critical data.
50 or More Employees – Complete and file Forms 1095-C and 1094-C.
Less Than 50 Employees (Self Insured) – Complete and file Forms 1095-B and 1094-B.
Less Than 50 Employees (Fully Insured) – Insurer is responsible for filing on behalf of the employer.
Less Than 50 Employees (No Insurance) – Reporting is not required.
Note: Where the combined total of full-time and FTE employees in a controlled group is 50 or more, each individual employer is subject to reporting.
Employee’s name, SSN or date of birth (if SSN is unavailable), and address.
Employer’s name, EIN, telephone number, and address.
The months in which the employer offered coverage.
The employee’s share of the monthly premium for self-only coverage (in certain cases).
The months in which a safe harbor (or other situation) applied (i.e., the employee was not a full-time employee).
Remember: Employers are subject to penalties of up to $700 per return for non-compliance and incorrect information.
Another common year-end adjustment is employer-paid health insurance for subchapter S shareholders who own at least two percent of the company. Although it is fairly easy to adjust a W-2 record to reflect this amount, it is always best to include it with a payroll run so it is reported on the applicable quarterly and yearly payroll tax returns. View the IRS requirements for subchapter S filing to make sure your company is reporting correctly.
Any employee checks issued outside of the regular payroll process must be recorded and their tax liabilities paid in accordance with the applicable due dates. Confirm that all “manual checks” cut during the year have been accounted for and updated in the system. Likewise, all voided checks should be recorded.
Some payroll checks cut throughout the year may not have been cashed. These checks should not be voided in the payroll system, but should instead be considered unclaimed property and reported to the appropriate state agency. The unclaimed property office may be a division of your state’s department of revenue or treasurer’s office.
Account for manual checks written during 2018.
Confirm that all voided checks have been recorded.
Report uncashed checks to the appropriate state agency as unclaimed property.
Many companies issue bonuses for company performance. If you are issuing bonuses and withholding retirement deductions, make sure the deduction does not exceed the annual limit. It is also important that bonuses are processed before the end of 2018 so tax payments are made on time to avoid penalties.
If you have to run another payroll before the end of the year, you will have to review your company, employee, and contractor totals again.
Remember: Earnings and deductions for payments received in the next year for days worked in the current year are reflected in the new year. Payroll taxes are based upon the date wages are paid.
Close the quarter and file Form 941 Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return by January 31, 2018. Wrap up calendar year 2018 and prepare to process payroll in 2019. Print and mail W-2s and 1099s to employees and contractors.
Report employee income and withholding amounts to employees, ex-employees who worked in calendar year 2018, and government agencies using Form W-2. Use 1099s to report the income paid to independent contractors and other payees.
Before you go, we’d like to leave you with one final tip. Even if you’re a year-end payroll processing pro, it’s always good to brush up on tips and best practices to better prepare for this season. Our goal is to provide you with resources that will help you have the smoothest year-end payroll processing yet.
Are you ready for year-end processing?
Use our handy monthly year-end guide and resources to tackle year-end processing with confidence.
APS is your source for managing year-end payroll and HR processing like a champ! Each year, thousands of payroll and HR managers trust APS as their source for year-end payroll, HR, tax, and ACA processing. Visit our Year-End Payroll and Year-End HR guides to help you focus on which tasks to tackle so you can enter 2017 with confidence.