Calculating payroll taxes can sometimes feel a little complicated. But if you make sure to pay attention to details, you can avoid some time-consuming mistakes!

What are payroll taxes?

First of all, it’s important to understand what payroll taxes are. In short, they are the taxes that employers must pay on the salaries they are paying their employees. The amount of the taxes varies based on how much they pay their employees, etc. and then the employee’s salary is taxed and the money is withheld from their paychecks. This money contributes to the employees’ income taxes, social security contributions and other insurances they might opt for. It’s important to get these taxes calculated accurately so that you don’t run into issues in the future.

Calculating Payroll Tax

Caluculating payroll taxes varies based on a number of different factors. The amount withheld will differ depending on which state you live in, whether or not the employee is married, how many withholding allowances they have and other specific differences. Be sure that you have accurate and up to date information about how payroll taxes are calculated in your area.

Mistakes in Calculating Payroll Taxes

As you begin calculating your taxes, make sure to avoid these simple mistakes!

1.    Using the wrong chart

When calculating your taxes, you’ll need to reference a chart that takes into account your state and local laws. Make sure to use the right chart – people often confuse them and end up calculating incorrectly.

2.    Not understanding the federal and state laws

Sometimes people don’t have a firm understanding of the laws surrounding payroll taxes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek professional help if there is something you don’t understand.

3.    Keeping poor records

If you don’t have accurate and up to date information on all of your employees, this can lead to filing errors. Make sure to consistently update your records every month or so to account for changes that may have happened.

4.    Math mistakes

Some of the simplest mistakes are due to bad math! This is an easy one to avoid – just make sure to check and double check your work.

5.    Using outdated tax rates

Tax rates are subject to change at any moment! Make sure you are using the current tax rates in order to be sure that you’re calculating correctly.

Handle your payroll taxes with confidence by avoiding these common mistakes!