Payroll and Tax Fundamentals

Overview

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Using the pay statement as our roadmap, this course covers the basics of payroll that everyone who receives a paycheck should know. Starting with your classification as an employee, you'll learn why certain new hire forms are required; how to calculate various payroll amounts, including gross and taxable wages, deductions, and certain taxes; how pretax deductions and benefits impact your taxes; and how your pay statement year-to-dates are used to generate a W-2. All this so you can make sure you are being paid accurately.

Syllabus

Payroll and Taxes for the Employee

We’ll look at how evaluating whether you are a contractor, or an employee determines what forms you will need to get you on board at your new job. We’ll discuss minimum wage rate, overtime rules and the importance of the calendar when receiving payroll.

Earnings, Taxes, and Deductions

This week, we’ll discuss different earning types, how gross pay is calculated with overtime and commission, and we’ll take a close look at payroll taxes and other elements impact deductions.

Net Pay, Benefits, and Pay Statement Details

Learn how to recognize the essential components on your pay statement so you know what you are being paid and what is being withheld from your pay. Then, it’s time to learn how these components are used to calculate your net pay and how those amounts are reflected on your annual statement.