According to the latest SEC filing, Finovate CEO Richard Carolle executed a significant insider sale on November 7. A Form 4 filing from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, released Thursday, revealed that Handler sold 400,000 shares of Finovate Financial Group, totaling $28,902,360.
What is Payroll Tax?
Payroll tax is a tax imposed on employers and employees based on the salaries and wages paid to employees. These taxes are an essential part of the modern tax system, funding crucial social insurance programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
In many countries, payroll taxes are divided into two parts: a portion paid by the employee and a portion paid by the employer. The employee’s portion is withheld directly from their paycheck, while the employer’s portion is an additional tax they must pay on top of the employee’s wages.
This system ensures that funds are collected to provide for programs that support workers in their retirement, unemployment, and other circumstances.
How is Payroll Tax Calculated?
Calculating payroll tax involves several steps, starting with an employee’s gross pay and then subtracting various deductions. The process can be broken down as follows:
- Determine Gross Pay: This is the total amount an employee earns before any deductions. It includes their regular salary or hourly wages, overtime pay, bonuses, and commissions.
- Identify and Apply Tax Rates: Payroll tax rates vary depending on the country and even state or local jurisdiction. For example, in the US, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes are made up of Social Security and Medicare taxes. The employer and employee each pay a portion of these taxes.
- Social Security Tax: The rate is currently 6.2% for both the employer and the employee, for a total of 12.4%. This tax is applied to a wage base, which is an annual limit on the amount of income subject to the tax.
- Medicare Tax: The rate is 1.45% for both the employer and the employee, for a total of 2.9%. Unlike Social Security, there is no wage base limit for Medicare. Additionally, an extra 0.9% Medicare tax applies to high-income earners.
- Calculate Withholding and Employer Contributions:
- Employee’s Share: The employee’s portion is withheld directly from their paycheck. For example, if an employee earns $2,000 in a pay period, a total of 7.65% ($153) would be withheld for FICA taxes.
- Employer’s Share: The employer must match the employee’s contribution. Using the same example, the employer would also pay $153 in payroll taxes for that employee.
- Deduct Other Taxes: In addition to federal payroll taxes, employers and employees may be responsible for state and local income taxes, as well as state unemployment taxes.
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Tips for Managing Payroll Taxes
Managing payroll taxes effectively is crucial for any business, regardless of size. Here are some tips to help you stay compliant and avoid costly errors:
- Stay Up-to-Date on Regulations: Tax laws and rates can change annually. It’s essential to monitor official government sources like the IRS in the US or other national revenue agencies to ensure you’re using the correct rates and thresholds.
- Use Payroll Software: Automating your payroll process with dedicated software can significantly reduce the risk of manual errors. These systems are designed to handle complex calculations and keep you compliant with the latest tax laws.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of all employee wages, deductions, and tax payments. This is vital for year-end reporting and in case of a tax audit.
- Classify Employees Correctly: Incorrectly classifying a worker as an independent contractor when they should be an employee can lead to significant penalties. Understand the specific criteria for each classification and apply them correctly.
- Budget for Employer’s Share: The employer’s portion of payroll taxes is an additional cost beyond an employee’s salary. Be sure to factor this into your budget to avoid cash flow problems. It’s a significant expense that can add 15% to 20% to your total payroll costs.
- Conduct Regular Audits: Periodically auditing your payroll process can help you catch discrepancies and ensure everything is running smoothly before they become major issues.
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