Journey Education Corner: Blog
Discover valuable insights, tips, and tools to simplify your payroll and HR processes from the Journey Payroll & HR team.
“Oops” Isn’t a Payroll Strategy: Top Mistakes That Cost Businesses Big (And How to Avoid Them)
Payroll: it's one of those behind-the-scenes functions that no one really notices until something goes wrong. A misclassified employee here, a missed tax deadline there, and suddenly your business is facing fines, frustrated employees, and an HR headache the size of...
Is Group Life Insurance Right for Your Business? Pros, Cons, and Tax Insights
As a business owner, you're always looking for ways to support and retain great employees and benefits like group life insurance can play a big role. But is it the right move for your company? Let’s break down the key reasons why you might (or might not) want to offer...
Virginia Payroll Compliance Tips for Mid‑2025
As we pass the halfway point of 2025, it’s the perfect time for Virginia employers to double-check key payroll compliance requirements. Here’s what matters most right now and what lies just ahead. Minimum Wage Is Now $12.41/hour Effective January 1, 2025, Virginia’s...
Should You Offer Supplemental Insurance to Your Team? Here’s What You Need to Know
At Journey Payroll & HR, we believe smart benefits build strong teams. One option more employers are exploring is supplemental insurance, especially policies designed to help cover serious illnesses like cancer, unexpected accidents, and critical care needs. But...
Top 10 Payroll Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Prevent Them
Getting payroll right is essential for protecting your business, earning employee trust, and staying compliant. Here are the most common payroll mistakes, with practical tips to avoid them: Misclassifying Workers Mislabeling employees as independent contractors or...
Texas Payroll Compliance: Mid‑2025 Snapshot
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, this is a great moment for Texas employers to ensure payroll systems are current and compliant. Here’s what needs your attention: Minimum Wage Still $7.25/hour Texas continues to follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, unchanged...
“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Is Your Employee Experience the Fairest of Them All?”
When we think of exceptional customer experiences, we often picture friendly service, personalized interactions, and seamless processes. But here's a twist: we believe the magic behind those stellar customer moments often starts within your own walls, with your team...
HSA Limits Level Up for 2026: What You Need to Know (and Why Your Wallet Might Thank You)
If you’re a fan of saving money on healthcare and who isn’t? then it’s time to celebrate: the IRS has announced new Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits for 2026. The increases are modest but meaningful for anyone looking to bolster tax‑advantaged...
Massachusetts Employment Law Updates, Mid‑Year 2025 Check-In
As we pass the midpoint of 2025, it's a good time for Massachusetts employers to review important new laws that affect everything from paid leave to pay transparency. Here’s what’s in effect, plus what’s coming later this year. Paid Family & Medical Leave (MA...
How Accurate Payroll Supports Employee Retention
In today’s job market, employees aren’t just leaving for bigger paychecks, they're leaving for better experiences. And few experiences sour faster than payroll problems. Late payments. Incorrect deductions. Overtime miscalculations. These mistakes don’t just cause...
Are You Leading or Just Managing? How to Be a Leader Your Team Trusts
At Journey Payroll & HR, we know that great leadership goes far beyond job titles. Whether you’re a manager, supervisor, or business owner, your leadership style directly influences team morale, productivity, and overall workplace culture. But in the day-to-day...
Mid-Year Check-In: Oregon’s 2025 Employment Law Updates
Now that we’re halfway through 2025, it’s a great time for Oregon employers to pause and make sure they’re up to speed on this year’s important employment law changes. From paid leave updates to new wage thresholds and expanded protections for workers, there’s a lot...
Why Who You Sign With Matters in Payroll: Sales Rep vs. Owner Experience
Who You Sign with Matters: Sales Rep vs. Owner in Payroll Services At Journey Payroll & HR, we believe in long-term partnerships, not quick wins. When you're choosing a Payroll and HR provider, one often-overlooked detail can make a major difference: who you sign...
Overtime and Tip Income Deductions, Who Qualifies and How Much You Can Save; Part 2
In Part 1, we clarified common misconceptions about the Big Beautiful Bill. Now, let’s dive into the details: who qualifies, what the deduction limits are, and how these benefits work when filing taxes. Overtime Income Deduction Who Qualifies? Nonexempt employees...
2025 New York Employment Law Updates
New York State has introduced several key employment law changes in 2025, impacting areas such as paid leave, to workplace safety and wage thresholds. Employers should take note of these updates to stay compliant and support their workforce effectively. Paid Prenatal...
Clarifying the “No Tax” Misconception Around Overtime and Tips; Part 1
At Journey Payroll & HR, we believe in clear, transparent communication, especially when it comes to new legislation that directly impacts your business and your team. With the introduction of the Big Beautiful Bill, headlines have circulated about “No Tax” on...
Mid-Year 2025 Update: Super Catch-Up Contributions – What Payroll Providers and Plan Sponsors Need to Know
As we move through 2025, the Super Catch-Up Contribution provision from the SECURE 2.0 Act is now in effect, introducing a significant boost to retirement savings for employees aged 60 to 63. This provision allows for contributions of up to 150% of the standard...
How to Recognize When Your Actions as a Leader May Be Hurting the Company
At Journey Payroll & HR, we’ve partnered with thousands of businesses led by passionate, dedicated individuals. But even the most well-intentioned leaders can sometimes get in their own way, creating stress, confusion, or dysfunction without realizing it. The...
Mastering the Updated 1099-NEC Rules: What Every Business Owner and Contractor Needs to Know
Whether you’re a business owner paying contractors or a freelancer invoicing clients, Form 1099-NEC is an essential tool for reporting non-employee income to the IRS. The rules have recently changed, thanks to the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” so it’s important...
2025 Employment Law Updates: What Arizona Employers and Employees Need to Know
As we move through 2025, Arizona's employment landscape has undergone several significant changes. These updates impact both employers and employees, necessitating awareness and compliance to ensure smooth operations and protect workers' rights. Here's a comprehensive...
Mastering Time and Attendance in a Hybrid World
The modern workplace has evolved and so have the challenges of managing time and attendance. With more businesses adopting hybrid work models that combine in-office and remote work, organizations must rethink traditional strategies to ensure accuracy, accountability,...
Six Leadership Traits All Great Leaders Need
When you hear the word "leader," do you picture someone in a sharp suit, commanding a boardroom with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat? While the attire may vary, the essence of true leadership remains consistent—and it's more about character than costumes. At...
Independent Contractor Agreements in Colorado: A little tighter than standard Federal Law
Most employers are at least somewhat familiar with the federal rules for independent contractors, don’t control the worker too much, let them invoice you, don’t provide benefits, etc. That’s all well and good... unless you’re in Colorado. Because in Colorado, you can...
Honored with the 2024 BBB Torch Award: — One Year Later, Our Commitment Endures
At Journey Payroll & HR, integrity, transparency, and exceptional service aren’t just values we talk about, they define how we do business. That’s why being honored with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award in 2024 was such a meaningful milestone for us. ...