Louisville, KY - Guide to Managing Payroll in Small Businesses | Accounting News

Payroll: The Task That Never Ends

Running payroll always takes longer than it should. One minute you’re updating hours, the next you’re checking tax rates or chasing down forms. It’s not fun, but it’s part of running a business. People count on you to get it right. When payroll slips, it hurts trust fast. Keeping it consistent and accurate keeps your team steady and your stress low.

Know Who’s on the Books

Start simple. Who’s an employee and who’s a contractor? It matters. Employees get taxes taken out. Contractors don’t. Mix them up and you’ll be sorting it out with the IRS later. Keep everyone’s W-4 or W-9 updated. Don’t guess.

Pick a Pay Schedule and Stick to It

Weekly, biweekly, twice a month, just pick one and keep it steady. Nothing kills morale faster than a late check. Mark the dates on a payroll calendar. It sounds basic, but missing a payday can mess up everything from rent to trust.

Track Hours Like It Matters (Because It Does)

If anyone’s hourly, track every shift. Keep it tight. Missed punches or late edits can cost you. Overtime rules aren’t flexible either. Once someone passes 40 hours, that extra time has to be paid at time-and-a-half. It’s the law.

Keep Up With Payroll Taxes

Payroll taxes are the part most owners dread. There’s federal withholding, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes, all with their own timelines. Miss one and the penalties show up quick. Having software or a payroll pro makes this easier. It’s worth it to keep things clean.

Check the Numbers Every Pay Run

Don’t just send checks and move on. Review reports after each payroll. Look for trends like people clocking extra overtime or missing shifts. It tells you what’s happening in real time and helps you spot problems early.

When It’s Time to Get Help

At some point, payroll stops being “just a few hours.” You’ll know when that happens. Maybe you’re behind on tax filings. Maybe your weekends are gone to spreadsheets. That’s when outsourcing makes sense. Local firms like Chamberlain and Good Company handle payroll from setup to taxes. You stay in control, we handle the grind.

How Chamberlain and Good Company Helps Louisville Businesses

We help local shops, contractors, and small teams keep payroll simple. You tell us how often you pay, and we handle the rest. We make sure taxes are filed on time and every paycheck adds up. You’ll always know what’s happening, without the late nights or second-guessing.

If payroll is eating into your time, let’s talk. Chamberlain and Good Company can handle it, so you can get back to running your business. Call (502) 579-8650 today to set up a consultation and keep things running on time, every time.