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We know, you’ve got a lot going on. So much, in fact, that you don’t have a ton of time to worry about what’s new in the payroll world. That’s where we come in!
Want to make sure you’re not missing important developments in the payroll scene? Never fear: we’ve got the round-up of payroll news and updates that you need to know in order to stay in the loop. This is Pay Matters – the July 2017 edition.
Read on to stay informed and stay in compliance with relevant alerts and insights that matter most for your payroll.
UPCOMING WEBINAR – KEEP ON LEARNING!
Whether you've been a manager for a while or you're new to this game, you won't want to miss our upcoming HR webinar!
HR Essentials: What Every Employer Needs to Know
Although no one can become an expert in all areas of employment law overnight, it’s important for managers, both new and seasoned, to have a basic understanding of HR best practices. We’ll give you a crash course on legal requirements for employers, touching on topics including wage and hour laws, leaves, and workplace harassment. The session will wrap up with some best practices for corrective action and termination.
Register for this webinar over on our webinar page.
FEDERAL UPDATES
President Signs Order to Expand Apprenticeship Programs
On July 15, President Trump signed the “Apprenticeship and Workforce of Tomorrow Executive Order”, calling for the expansion of apprenticeship programs. Under the order, new job training programs and education, especially in the vocational skills arena, will be created. At the same time, regulatory burdens on such programs will be eased. Existing programs will be evaluated for effectiveness so they are either improved or eliminated.
The goal of the executive order is to provide Americans with more affordable ways to obtain skilled, well-paying jobs.
For a copy of the Executive Order click here.
STATE UPDATES
New York Clarifies Paid Family Leave Payroll Deduction
New York employers are busy understanding and implementing the new payroll deduction under the New York Paid Family Leave Act (PFL).
Under the law, employers can deduct 0.126% of their employees’ weekly wages up to, but not to exceed, 0.126% of the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). The SAWW to use for deductions from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, is $1,305.92. This means that the maximum weekly contribution for employees earning more than $1,305.92 per week is $1.65.
The state Workers Compensation Board clarified that the payroll deduction is not mandatory for the period July 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Rather, whether to deduct the new tax is the choice of the employer. New York had previously stated that wage deductions would be mandatory from July 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017.
Benefit coverage begins on January 1, 2018. At that time, employers must either deduct the PFL tax from their employees’ wages or pay the cost of paid- family premiums themselves. If employers choose not to deduct form wages, the employer will be obligated to pay as a premium the amount that would have been deducted.
Employers who choose not to deduct the PFL tax from their employees’ wages during the second half of 2017 cannot retroactively collect afterward for that period.
Viventium will automatically begin deducting the PFL contribution from your New York employees who are currently set up with New York Disability (NYSDI). starting July 1, 2017. If you do not want this contribution to be deducted, please contact your client services representative.
If you use Viventium’s general ledger service, please reach out to your Client Services team to add a new account for the paid family leave deduction.
For more information on the Paid Family Leave act please click here.
Arkansas Passes Pre-emptive Law Restricting Localities
Arkansas recently passed legislation banning its cites from passing and enforcing their own laws in the areas of employee benefits, such as minimum wage and paid sick leave.
Minimum wage in Arkansas is currently $8.50 per hour.
As the trend of localities passing their own minimum wage and benefit laws increases, Arkansas joins a growing list of states who are passing pre-emptive laws to halt this movement.
Kansas Withholding Tax Rates Change
ON June 6, a new Kansas law was passed increased tax rates for tax years 2017 and 2018 and established a third tax bracket. Since the 2017 tax rates are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2017, the new tables use the 2018 rates, which are higher than the 2017 rates, to correct under-withholding that occurred under the old rates. Employers are not required to make additional adjustments to account for under-withholding but must implement the new rates as soon as possible. These rates will continue to be used in 2018.
Viventium will automatically update your Kansas state withholding rates.
LOCAL UPDATES
New York City “Fair Work Week” Legislation to Affect Fast Food Workers
On May 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law the “Fair Work Week” legislation. The law primarily addresses scheduling practices for NYC retail and fast food workers with the goal of providing workers in these industries with scheduling predictability. The law goes into effect on November 26, 2017.
The law includes a requirement that NYC fast food employers must provide employees with their 7-day work schedule at least 14 days in advance. The schedule must include details of all regular shifts and on-call shifts. New employees must be given written “good faith” estimates of weekly hours. Any changes to the schedule must be updated and communicated to the employee within 24 hours. Employees can decline to work any additional hours not included in the original schedule. Schedule changes with less than 14 days’ notice may entitle an employee to premium payment. Any new shifts must be offered to current employees before new employees are hired.
Retail employees must be given at least 72 hours’ notice of when they are needed to report to work. The legislation bans “on-call scheduling” which requires retail employees to be available to work at a given time, but may not necessarily be called to work. Employees must also be given a written work schedule and the work schedule of all employees at a given location must be posted in a conspicuous place. Employees must be notified of any changes to the schedule.
Posters detailing the requirements on the law must be posted in the workplace. New York City has said they will make these posters available on their website.
For the complete text of the law click here.
New York City Revises Withholding Tables
Effective July 1, 2017, the New York City income tax withholding schedules will be revised to reflect changes in how the state school tax relief program (STAR) applies to city residents. For more information on the upcoming changes and the new tables click here. Viventium will automatically update your NYC withholding rates.
Philadelphia Tax Rate Decrease
Effective July 1, 2017, the wage rates in the city of Philadelphia will decrease slightly to 3.8907 percent from 3.9004 percent for residents and to 3.4654 percent from 3.4741 percent for nonresidents.
The city has said that they expect to gradually decrease rates until 2022.
Viventium will automatically update your Philadelphia withholding rates.
For more click here.
MINIMUM WAGE UPDATES
July 1 Wage Increases
Washington, DC minimum wage is to increase to $12.50 from $11.50; in Maryland, to $9.25 from $8.75; and in Oregon, the standard hourly minimum wage is to increase to $10.25 from $9.75, the Portland metro minimum wage is to increase to $11.25 from $9.75; and the nonurban counties minimum wage is to increase to $10 from $9.50.
Local minimum wage changes also take effect in municipalities in Arizona (Flagstaff), California (Emeryville, Long Beach, Los Angeles city and county, Malibu, Milpitas, Pasadena, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Monica), Illinois (Chicago, Cook County), and Maryland (Montgomery County).
This information is for educational purposes only, and not to provide specific legal advice. This may not reflect the most recent developments in the law and may not be applicable to a particular situation or jurisdiction.
Viventium Software Inc. is a SaaS-based human capital management solution that provides a remarkable user experience and award- winning software. Viventium provides flexible software and expert guidance so clients can be sure their payroll is done right.
Viventium offers specialized solutions in the health services markets which include home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities. Viventium Software supports all fifty of the United States with payroll and HR solutions.
Relax – you’re with Viventium.
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Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 1
In the world of work, there’s a tale to be told, About overtime hours, and the payroll gold, A consistent paycheck, that’s the worker’s dream, But when it comes to overtime, it’s not as easy as it seems.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, Susie worked hard in San Francisco town, But the rules around overtime, they had her feeling down, 42 hours this week, she gave her all, Now it’s time to calculate, let the numbers fall.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 2
Exempt or non-exempt, the title they hold, Where they work, where you’re based, it’s all in the fold, California or New York, the laws they diverge, For payroll admins, it’s a never-ending surge.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, the DOL’s website, a labyrinth to explore, State regulations galore, it’s quite a chore, Staying compliant, it’s a tricky art, Missing out on requirements can break your heart.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
BRIDGE
But here’s a method that can save the day, A payroll software, to keep errors at bay, Input the info right, integrate with ease, No more manual labor, no more overtime fees.
VERSE 3
Back to Susie’s story, she’s owed her due, According to FLSA, it seems we have a clue, $860 on the table, that’s what we’d say, But California’s got its rules, changing the way.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, California says, hours past eight, Are overtime-eligible, don’t underestimate, Now Susie’s owed $900, that’s the decree, In this overtime puzzle, you gotta set it free.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
OUTRO
So when it’s overtime, and the rules entwine, Choose a payroll software, let it all align, Viventium’s the name, we’ve got the key, To make overtime calculations a breeze, you’ll see.
ENDING
Don’t overwork yourself, don’t you fret, With Viventium by your side, it’s a safe bet, Relax, you’re with us, in this overtime fight, With the right tools in hand, everything’s gonna be alright.
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 1
In the world of care, where time slips away, Caregivers dedicate, every single day. But when the hours are missed, in the daily race, Retroactive pay, steps up to embrace.
PRE-CHORUS
A caregiver tired, at the week’s end, Forgot to log hours, a mistake to mend. Admins face the challenge, calculations to make, To set it right, for the caregiver’s sake.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 2
Manual calculations, prone to a flaw, Dealing with shifts, odd hours, and the law. As your business grows, the cost takes flight, Automated solutions, shining bright.
PRE-CHORUS
Compliance is key, with FLSA’s might, Calculate and compensate, get it right. Avoid the audit’s gaze, fines and the cost, Retroactive pay, no longer lost.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
BRIDGE
Employee satisfaction, a crucial part, Resolve mistakes, a work of heart. Relationships flourish, in pay’s embrace, A payroll software, creating a trace.
VERSE 3
Star caregivers, valued and strong, Retention and recruiting, where they belong. Automated solution, a total pay dance, Establish your business, a work-life romance.
PRE-CHORUS
A self-winding watch, Viventium’s grace, Optimizing payroll, in every case. No more struggles, in the payroll game, In it with you, time and time again.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
OUTRO
As your business grows, in the hustle and fight, Viventium by your side, making it right. No more worries, in the payroll chain, In it with you, time and time again.
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, we all aim to thrive, Year after year, our dreams taking flight. But as we soar higher, we start to see, More money, more problems, just like B.I.G. Outgrowing our shell, it’s an exciting phase, But it brings with it some challenging days. Solutions we had, now show their flaws, As we push the boundaries, breaking through the walls.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 2
Employees across states, in different localities, Tax laws aplenty, creating complexities. Our old software’s limits, we’ve begun to see, Scaling up our business, we need to break free. Calculating pay and taxes, where it all begins, Errors in this process, lead to countless sins. Employees rely on us, trust in our might, To withhold what’s needed, get it just right.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
BRIDGE
Taxes, they’re not simple, that’s for sure, A world of complexity, there’s always more. But Viventium stands with us, in this fight, Geo Tax, our ally, making everything right.
VERSE 3
CPAs may struggle, and admins too, Keeping up with taxes, what can they do? The rules keep changing, it’s hard to keep pace, But Viventium’s here, in this challenging space.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
OUTRO
So relax, dear business, and set your mind free, With Geo Tax on our side, we’re the best that we can be. Viventium’s got us, in this tax-filled fight, No more worries, no more sleepless nights.
REPEAT CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 1
In the world of admin tasks, where changes often arise, There’s a tool that’s been a savior, under office fluorescent skies. With flexibility and precision, it eases their daily strife, Let’s sing about this feature, it’s the pulse of our work life.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 2
Admins wear many hats, in their daily grind, Sometimes they need to adjust, leave no errors behind. Adding extra hours, bonuses, or fixing pay, They need a simple method, to make it all okay.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
BRIDGE
Custom views and filters, tailor it to your need, Focus on the important, no need for needless speed. A hundred-dollar bonus, a few clicks and it’s in flight, Admins get it done, making sure it’s right.
VERSE 3
In the admin’s world, where numbers have their say, This tool steps in gracefully, making tasks less gray. An interface so intuitive, like an Excel sheet, Changing data effortlessly, making work complete.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
OUTRO
So here’s to Payroll Grids, in our song of praise they gleam, For admins working diligently, they fulfill a dream. In the world of office hustle, they bring much-needed light, Let’s tip our hats to this tool, and its invaluable might.
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 1
In the world of payroll, a daily task we face, Admins work hard, in this complex space, They handle policies, with attention and care, But there’s a solution that’s beyond compare.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, your role’s crucial and true, But there’s a tool we’ve got, just for you, Let’s explore rule-based automation, my friend, With Viventium, your tasks will gently mend.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 2
Standardize policies, that’s the key, For tenure, role, union status, you’ll see, PTO, bonuses, pay rates defined, Automation makes your workload more aligned.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, the burden’s a load, But rule-based automation lightens the road, No more tiresome chores, no more dread, With Viventium, it’s smoother ahead.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
BRIDGE
In the world of payroll, where tasks repeat, We’ve got the solution, it’s oh so neat, “If this, then that,” it’s simple and sly, With Viventium by your side, you’ll reach for the sky.
VERSE 3
Tenure-based PTO, a common request, With Viventium, it’s passed the ultimate test, Set it up once, and then you’ll see, Automation handles the chore, oh so free.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, take a breath, take a pause, With Rule-Based Automation, you’ll find no flaws, It’s easy, it’s simple, no programming in sight, Viventium’s got you covered, day and night.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
OUTRO
So if you’re a payroll admin, feeling the weight, Let Viventium’s Rule-Based Automation be your fate, No more worries, no more strife, With Viventium, you’ll transform your work life.
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, it’s a complex game, With factors and figures, it’s never the same. Decisions are key, they’ll determine your fate, So listen up closely, don’t be a bit late.
PRE-CHORUS
Gather your data, don’t let it fade, In the depths of spreadsheets, don’t let it cascade. Your HCM software, is it up to the task? To capture and store, to help you unmask.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 2
Once the data’s collected, it’s time to report, But it can be daunting, that’s the common retort. Pre-built solutions, they’re your guiding light, Turning raw data into visions so bright.
PRE-CHORUS
No more manual hours, no errors in sight, With report library’s might, everything’s right. Payroll summaries, tax liabilities, and more, All in a flash, you’ll have what you adore.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
BRIDGE
Viventium’s here, with a passion so true, Constantly improving, for folks just like you. A Report Library, a gift from the stars, For data-driven dreams, it’ll take you far.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
OUTRO
So remember this lesson, in the business terrain, It’s all ’bout decisions, don’t let ’em wane. With data as your guide, and Viventium’s grace, You’ll conquer the challenges you’ll face.
