Author:

Mike Kappel

Mike Kappel, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Patriot Software, offers payroll advice from more than 30 years of experience to small business owners.

A Look at Deferred Compensation Plans

By Mike Kappel

For many employees, generous benefits are more important than pay raises. There are several benefits options you can offer to attract and retain employees, including deferred compensation plans.

Self-employed man smiling in front of his food truck.

Do I Have to Pay Self-Employment Tax?

By Mike Kappel

Self-employment is part of the American dream for many. To do what you love and get paid for it can be incredibly rewarding if handled properly. However, one of the factors that needs to be considered is self-employment tax — which is a necessary evil when you are doing what you love!

Everything to Know About IRS Form W-2

By Mike Kappel

If you have employees, you are responsible for many tasks like running payroll, withholding payroll taxes, and distributing IRS Form W-2. As you might know by now, Form W-2 can be uber confusing. Who receives a form? Where do you send it? When is it due? Get the answers to these questions and more by […]

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

By Mike Kappel

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment or modification an employer provides to a person with a disability to make sure they have equal access to employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodations are an important aspect of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights law. The ADA was enacted to prevent discrimination and help individuals […]

Woman in a burnt orange dress working on laptop.

What Is Holiday Pay?

By Mike Kappel

Holidays are normally times of joy and showing kindness to others. When a holiday occurs, you might want to share holiday cheer with your employees in the form of compensation. Holiday pay can come in a couple of forms, and it often depends on if employees work on the holiday.

Business owner calculating severance pay on calculator.

What Is Severance Pay?

By Mike Kappel

At some point, you might have to terminate an employee. You might eliminate their position, make layoffs, fire for misconduct, or mutually part ways. No matter the reason, you might consider giving the employee severance pay. But what is severance pay? Before you make a decision about severance pay, learn more about it, what you […]

Small Business Attendance Policy

By Mike Kappel

Employees streamline business operations, but what happens when they frequently skip work or show up late? Those streamlined business operations will start to become inefficient. You need a small business attendance policy to encourage attendance and monitor employees.

Pros and Cons of Direct Deposit

By Mike Kappel

There are a few different payment options you can offer your employees. Direct deposit is one popular choice for both employees and employers. Before implementing it at your business, weigh the pros and cons of direct deposit.

Employee Pay Adjustment: A Definitive Guide to Effectively Manage Changes in Wages

By Mike Kappel

Sometimes you need to change an employee’s pay—for good or bad. You must do certain things to ensure a smooth adjustment of the employee’s wages. Before you change an employee’s wages, make sure you understand pay adjustments and how to make them.

Smiling female construction worker in an orange vest.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act): Ensuring Safe Workplaces

By Mike Kappel

As an employer, it’s your job to make sure your employees stay safe at work. You must ensure they don’t become ill or get injured from anything at your business. To ensure workplace safety, you must follow the Occupational Safety and Health Act, otherwise known as the OSH Act.