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There are two methods for computing federal withholding taxes (FWT) on employee wages: the wage bracket method and the percentage method. To compute FWT, you need to use the current withholding tables in IRS Publication 15-T. The IRS updates these tables whenever there is a change in tax rates. Read across the table to the column for the number of W-4 withholding allowances the employee claims in order to find the amount to withhold for FWT. Find the employee's taxable wages in the first two columns of the table. Find the appropriate table for your payroll frequency in Publication 15T's "Tables for Percentage Method of Withholding." Locate the Wage Bracket Method withholding table in IRS publication 15-T (see Resources) for your payroll period frequency and the employee's W-4 marital status. Withhold the result for FWT. ...

Bad attitudes among staff members are contagious, and a staff full of bad attitudes is bad for business. Fortunately, good attitudes are equally contagious. If you want to succeed in business, you need to create an "epidemic of positivity" throughout your employees. To maintain such good morale, your employees must be prepared, must feel valued, and must get rewarded. Use the steps below to build your plan to make good attitudes catching. Regularly update training for every employee in every department. This can range from a weekly email with tech news relevant to the job to a paid course on the newest productivity software. Make sure that your employees have all the tools they need to accomplish their assignments. Don't mistake indoctrination for training. Long meetings on the minutia of company policy are not training. It's important to keep employees abreast of what's ...

If you have a business in Spain and it is doing well you are probably going to have hire staff at some point. Here is a step by step guide to the process with some links to some more detailed information about Spanish employment. Next consider the cash flow and budgetary implications of your new staff. Although Spanish wage rates are generally reasonable you can expect to pay approximately an additional 40% in non-wage costs, mainly being employer's social security contributions which are very high in Spain. Also consider the timing - salaries are paid monthly in arrears and national insurance a month later. Income tax withheld from employees is payable at the end of each quarter which can be a nasty shock for the uninitiated who haven't budgeted for this payment. As has been mentioned severance pay can be substantial if you have to let staff go. Next you need to consider the type of contract to be granted. This...

According to the World Health Organization, organizational, or workplace, stress can affect an organization's ability to be competitive within its market. When workers are stressed, they are less likely to be healthy, motivated, and productive. Organizational Change Change in an organization can cause stress for employees that are unwilling to accept the changes. Such behavior can then cause stress for their supervisors and coworkers. Task Design Tasks that are mundane or unpleasant and a workload that is either too heavy or too light can cause stress in workers. Lack of control over workload and work-pace is also a source of stress. Management Style Workplace leaders can cause stress when they classify subordinates' views as unethical, incompetent, or irrelevant. Leaders who do not include workers in decision-making or who communicate poorly...

Employees are the cornerstone of a strong, healthy company. Not only do they perform duties relating to the day-to-day operations of the business, but they also contribute to the overall success of your company. Therefore, maintaining a high level of employee morale is essential to ensuring the survival of your company. Account for the cost of your ideas. After all, improving staff morale needs to also be beneficial to the company, in terms of employee relations and cost. Don't go overboard on improvements, such as constructing an entirely new break room. Sometimes, morale is improved through small things. Put a complaint box in the break room and address those questions, complaints and issues each week via the company website. Keep the supply closet well-stocked with some preferred office supply items of employees. Ask for input from employees when big changes are being made, as this will make them feel invested in the company. ...

You are interested in the stock market but sadly your a dummy. Well take heart because this article entitled, how to invest in the stock market for dummys, is tailored just for you. Rule #3 Enjoy the little things Choose 5 companies that you personally enjoy and then look up the history of their stock. Compare past highs and lows to the current stock price and if the numbers suit your fancy try investing a few dollars. Remember do not invest more than you can afford to lose, and I mean lost it all. You are investing in something you have no control over. Best of luck and thank you for reading my brief guide on how to invest in the stock market for dummy's A company that is a solid choice for people who wish to invest in the stock market would be sharebuilder.com Rule #2 Research Research all online companies thoroughly on your own before deciding which one is right for you. Sharebuilder.com has no fees for inactive account...

With the recent bear market declines, many employees that have had part of their compensation tied to company stock options have seen them go way out-of-the-money, which is often referred to as being "underwater." This has prompted many companies to go through a process that cancels and reissues the stock options. There are a variety of conditions that have to be met along with some tasks that have to take place to actually implement this process. Employee Stock Options Definition Companies use stock options as a part of an employee compensation package. An employee stock option is comprised of a call option on the company's underlying stock where basically the employees will financially benefit from these options if the company's stock goes up in value. The Objective of Issuing Stock Options The idea or objective of issuing stock options is to instill business behavior in ...

Boosting employee morale and productivity requires creating and maintaining effective communication channels from the top down--a process that involves organizational planning and meticulous implementation at all levels. To be sustainable and successful, these communication strategies must, over time, become an integral part of the company's work culture and philosophy. Challenges Companies where news and information is disseminated via the grapevine must deal with the consequences of playing "Chinese Whispers"--misinformation, fear, suspicion, loss of morale and decreased productivity. This is far more pronounced during tough times. For example, a firm that combats recession by laying off employees in a seemingly random and arbitrary manner, where strong performance does not appear to indicate job security, unwittingly creates an environment of fear and falling morale. Executives often don't realize that simple, inf...

The hotel guest-services manager must resolve guest problems quickly and efficiently in a manner that preserves goodwill and the overall hotel objectives. Effectively aligning staffing duties and expectations with overall guest service objectives is also essential in this role. Duties Hotel guest-services managers are hospitality-oriented. Their duties include coordinating reservations and accommodations, managing front desk staff, which may include concierge and valet services, and managing guest relations. Education/Experience According to the Business of Labor Statistics, most large full-service hotel chains prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor's degree in a discipline that is directly or closely related to the hospitality field. This preference does not mean that candidates with a two-year degree or experience in lieu of a four-year degree are excluded. Certi...

A time clock is an electronic device used to track employees' hours. Generally, employers require their hourly employees to punch a time clock so they can be paid according to the hours they work. Hourly employees must punch in and out when they arrive to work, take breaks and leave at the end of the workday. The company's human resources and/or payroll department typically handles time clock procedures, which often include informing the necessary departments of any time clock changes. To implement time clock changes in your occupational environment, follow these steps. Explain the changes to your subordinates. If you are the Payroll Manager and are in charge of the time clock procedures, ensure that those reporting to you have a full understanding of the changes. This is critical because they are responsible for ensuring that the employees' paychecks are correct; hence, if they are confused or are not well informed of the changes, they will...

If you own a business, and in particular a retail business of any kind, one of your biggest challenges is how to keep employees from stealing from you. Employees can steal many things and not just tangible items. Even if you don't have goods that can be taken from you, people can steal other things like time from you. All an employee has to do is to lie as to how much time it took him to complete a job on an hourly project and he ends up getting paid more than he deserves. Employee theft is one of the biggest reasons that many businesses fail and you see it all of the time. Think about all of the restaurants that you have seen in your town that appear to always be busy and yet they end up shutting their doors. How does a store that is always busy end up closing? Employee theft. The owners have left themselves open to losses due to stealing. Here are a few tips to help you not become a casualty on unscrupulous employees. Don't be an abse...

The pressure of buying an insurance policy can now be greatly lessened with the help of the internet where you can simply get a life insurance quote from insurers online. Indeed, when you're seeking to seal the best deal to protect your loved ones, the fast and informative details you get from a term life insurance quote online will help you make the right decision. Life Insurance Quote from JumpLifeInsurance.co.uk. Get a Life Insurance quote Now. With so many Life Insurance and Mortgage Protection websites out there, we decided to make things simple.There is just one short from to fill in, and after just a few seconds you will have quotes from all the leading providers.For more information please visit our website http://www.jumplifeinsurance.co.uk Your occupation also has an effect on the term life insurance quote. Insurance companies always look into the risks and hazards involved in your work, the workplace and the pro...

In certain situations, insurance can offer a business--large or small--significant tax deductions. Since tax laws can and do change often, speak with your accountant or tax professional every year regarding any changes. Many businesses use insurance as a business tax write-off because it's something they need in addition to lowering their tax liability. Buy liability insurance. It's treated as a general business expense and is tax deductible. Buy group health insurance. It gives a business a tax deduction on all premiums paid. The premiums represent both a business expense as well as a benefit to employees. Buy corporate-owned life insurance. Corporate-owned life insurance,or "COLI," is typically a whole life insurance policy purchased inside of, and owned by, a corporation. Although the qualifications and guidelines change often for tax deductability, the premiums are usually tax d...

Builders risk insurance is a policy that covers the completion of a building project from start to finish. While on the job, serious setbacks such as having a fire break out or theft of materials could alter or destroy the project's timetable, which could cost money. This insurance provides a safety net if any of those events should occur. Whether your project is commercial or residential, builders risk insurance is protection worth investing in. The Facts Builders risk insurance is a form of property insurance that covers property owners and builders for projects under construction. It is an "all risk coverage," meaning that it protects you from events such as vandalism, accidental losses and damages to the property. Because of the enormous risk of some jobs, many lenders require that this coverage be purchased before they will approve a loan for the project. Insurance companies may deny coverage if the project is done...

Corporate wellness programs are an additional perk of some companies. Wellness programs typically promote work/life balance and have on-site facilities that promote an employee's overall health. According to Wellness Proposals, a survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated that companies that have corporate wellness programs have reduced health care costs, reduced sick leave and increased productivity, making it a good investment for companies. Fitness If your company has the space, consider designating an office or conference room as a fitness room. There, people can practice yoga or exercise, if there are machines handy. Having a room on site dedicated to fitness may increase employee participation. Consider having fitness instructors and yoga teachers come in once a week to help employees find the right fitness technique for them. Mental Health Consider having ...

General liability insurance helps protect businesses in the event they are sued by customers or other third parties for injuries or damages. An insurance company will pay for damages up to the policy's limits and also pay for legal costs. Carriers offer many features and coverages. Bodily Injury and Property Damage A general liability policy will provide protection for physical injuries and property damage. This can include a customer who is injured on a business's property or damage that is caused by an employee to a customer's property. The policy will pay for damages and medical expenses as a result of the injury. A general liability policy does not cover injuries that are sustained by an employee. Personal Injury In addition to covering physical injuries, a general liability policy will provide coverage for personal injuries. This includes a business that is sued for libel whe...

Directors and officers (D&O) insurance is risk-reduction coverage for the executive staff of companies that may be subject to lawsuits. Lawsuits occasionally are filed when investors lose money, and upper management--especially directors, officers and board members--can be included. Even if the lawsuits are dropped or settled outside of court, attorneys fees can be high. D&O insurance limits the liability, so that the personal assets of each director or officer are not compromised. History of D&O Insurance Lloyd's of London introduced D&O insurance in the 1930s, but there wasn't a tremendous need for the policies until the 1960s, when changes in the interpretation of securities laws made it possible that not only corporations but also directors and officers could face significant liability. Likely Targets The Watson Wyatt Worldwide Survey regarding lawsuits involving c...

Some employers feel like workers' compensation is a guaranteed payout system with very little benefit to them. It is for this reason that many employers are taking steps to manage workers' compensation costs before claims arise. This requires a focus on safety in the workplace and an increase in the visibility of workers' compensation policies and practices in the workplace. By understanding the context in which claims arise, policies can be implemented to take corrective action. Create incentives based on goal achievement to motivate staff. Make the incentive practical and within a certain dollar threshold. You don't want workers to let injuries or hazardous work stations grow into something that could cause greater injury, just to get the incentive. Set safety objectives. Setting performance indicators around safety is a good way to ensure that they are consistently tracked and held accounted for. ...

Indemnity insurance is a type of traditional insurance in which a fee is paid to an insurance company. There are different types of indemnity insurance, including personal indemnity, professional indemnity and health insurance. Indemnity insurance functions as a source of financial support in the event that a policy holder is sued for damages. Personal Personal indemnity insurance is a type of insurance that is offered as a homeowners or renters insurance policy. The insurance company offers a policy in which it will indemnify a policy holder for any losses covered by the policy. Individuals that pay a landlord to live on a property can be sued if they cause any type of damage. This is also true for landlords that fail to repair or correct a previously identified problem with the property. In either case, an individual or a landlord would need to pay for damages suffered by the other party. Professional ...

General liability insurance is the foundation on which owners looking to protect their company or property build off of. If you are running a small or large business in any industry, having liability coverage can safeguard your company in the event of a lawsuit brought against it. Having a comprehensive policy in place will give you as the policyholder peace of mind, especially in today's society where many people are looking to take legal action in hopes of a huge award amount. The Facts General liability insurance is a comprehensive policy that pays for just claims brought against a policy owner. Under a general liability policy, the insured is responsible for damages, loss and/or injuries suffered by a person or property. This coverage is usually supplemented with smaller, more specific policies such as insurance for flood, fire and theft. However, by having a "bundled" policy, the liability amount may be reduced i...

Both large and small businesses have specific insurance needs and requirements. Some types of insurance are required by law. A business that has employees will need to provide workers compensation and disability, and are required to pay unemployment insurance tax. Other types of insurance will also be needed to provide liability coverage and property damage. Workers Compensation One type of insurance that is required by law for a business that has employees is workers compensation. This insurance provides coverage for an employee who is injured on the job and suffers lost wages and/or permanent disability. This insurance also restricts the right of an employee to sue the employer for injuries that occur. Disability Disability insurance provides coverage for the replacement of partial wages for employees who suffer a non-workplace injuries or sicknesses. This insurance is required in Californi...

Taxi insurance is a form of liability coverage that is needed for a taxi company to protect their business. Driving is one of the most dangerous hazards, with over 5.8 million auto accidents last year resulting in 2.3 million people injured. Operating in this high risk industry, taxi insurance provides a safety net in case an accident or some other unfortunate incident happens. The Facts Taxi insurance is designed to protect the company, its drivers and its assets by providing coverage against liability. This type of insurance is much more expensive than private car insurance due to the possibility of covering multiple passengers and the taxis exposure to risk by being on the road longer than private cars. A comprehensive policy covers incidents such as vandalism, theft, fire and other damages caused by the accident no matter who is at fault. Taxi insurance usually includes clauses such as Business Interruption Policy which pays the ...

A contractor controlled insurance program is a type of "wrap-up" policy in which all participants involved in a building project are covered by a single policy. The policy sponsor is for this program is typically the general contractor for the project. The policy provides coverage for the project owner as well as contractors and subcontractors that are working on the job site. Wrap-up Policies A contractor controlled insurance program is a type of umbrella insurance policy. The policy names all project entities for general liability. It sometimes identifies workers compensation risks that may be present. A wrap-up policy may also include occurrence coverage for defects in construction claims for a specified number of years. Coverage A contractor controlled insurance program will usually cover the general liability exposure that can exist while working on a construction project. The ...

COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. The purpose of the act was to require employers that have a group health insurance plan to offer temporary coverage to employees who have had a change in employment status. This meant that an employee could continue with the employers group health plan if they experienced a "qualifying event." Individuals that are considering applying for COBRA coverage should make sure they are informed on what is required. Qualifying Events A qualifying event is considered any change in employment status, such as being terminated or laid off from an employer. There are five types of qualifying events that can trigger COBRA coverage. These include the death of an employee, termination or reduction of hours, divorce, Medicare eligibility, and the loss of dependency for a covered child. A qualifying event may also be referred to as a "triggering event." ...

People who are self-employed have various types of insurance options that are available. One type of policy that can be purchased is for disability insurance. This type of insurance will pay a portion of an individual's income while he or she is unable to work. The length of the policy can range from two years to five years to the rest of an individual's working life. Types of Policies A disability income insurance policy is available in two types, which are called short-term and long-term policies. A short-term disability policy pays benefits for a specific period such as from one to two years. A long-term policy pays benefits for an extended period such as ten years or up to age sixty-five or sixty-seven. Criteria When shopping for a disability income policy, there are many factors to consider. These may include finding an agent, determining the amount of coverage that is needed and...

Any type of business that requires contact with customers requires some form of liability insurance. A business liability insurance policy covers injuries to customers and employees. The policy also pays for legal fees in the event a business is sued for injuries sustained on the premises. Business liability insurance comes in many types, depending on the type of business. General Liability A general liability policy is the main type of policy that is required for virtually any type of business. This type of policy protects a business against many types of losses. These include injury, advertising claims as well as damage done to property. If a business offers a service or product, a general liability policy protects against injury that is suffered by a customer. Professional Liability A business that provides a service requires professional liability insurance for the type of work provided....

What The Insurance Companies Don't Want Your Business to Know about Workers' Compensation Do you know how many states in the United States allow a business to go without mandatory workers' compensation? If you said "one", you're right - Texas is it. Even with that said, most businesses in Texas carry workers' comp to be sure they are protecting the financial stability of their business in the best possible manner. If a business pays over $5000 in insurance premium for workers' compensation, an experience modifier is applied after 3 years of continuous coverage. This modifier is a reflection of several things: insurance premiums paid by a business, the size of the claims paid from injuries, frequency of claims, expected amount of claims based on the classification, and a host of other calculations. All modifiers in Texas are calculated by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, NCCI. All of thi s has a direct effect on what a bu...

Contractors insurance is a comprehensive coverage plan aimed to protect contractors while they conduct business. Having coverage minimizes the risk to the contractor's business by shifting it to his insurance company. This policy provides a safety net if an incident occurs on the job. The Facts Most contractors deem insurance necessary. There are different types of coverage available to supplement general liability to broaden a contractor's protection. Other insurance policies include surety bonds, workers compensation, pollution liability, property liability, builder's risk, railroad protective liability, owners and contractors protective liability, and products and completed operations coverage. A contractor may be required by law to carry insurance, depending on the state of operation. Benefits Having this insurance gives contractors a peace of mind, knowing that they can do th...

If you are a small business, the odds are that your state requires you to provide worker's compensation insurance to your employees. This is work insurance that covers any sort of job-related injury or disability that may prevent them from working. The cost of this insurance varies based on the risk involved in your business' line of work, but failure to pay for insurance could result in hefty fines or worse. Contact your state's Secretary of State, Department of Financial Institutions or the corresponding office that manages state business operations and regulates insurance. They should be able to direct you to a list of all the rates for worker's compensation insurance providers. Seek certification as a self-insured employer by contacting your state's Division of Worker's Compensation. Select an insurance provider offering a low rate and an appealing coverage package. ...

Workers Compensation Insurance provides benefits for independent contractors and employees of companies within the United States. Coverage includes wage reimbursement (full or partial), medical and rehabilitation services and, in the event of a fatality, death benefits for surviving family members. The eligibility requirements, compensation and claims procedures are different for each state. If you are starting your own business, read on to learn how to obtain Workers Compensation insurance. Contact a commercial insurance agent who has experience with Workers Compensation coverage. Check your local Yellow Page listings, or ask for a referral from one of your business contacts. You can also obtain quotes for coverage online. Gather pertinent information about your company, including the number of employees, company description, any safety practice and procedure checklists, pictures of the facility and employee handbooks or ope...

Motor truck cargo coverage insurance is protection carried by truckers while transporting their loads. In the transportation industry, the trucker is deemed responsible for cargo as soon as it enters his possession. The insurance provides coverage in the event the freight is damaged or lost while in transit. Purpose The purpose of motor truck cargo insurance coverage is to protect truck drivers from liability for transported cargo that belongs to others. Coverage is available to common carriers who are available for hire by the general public, and contract carriers, who haul cargo under terms of a contract that is engaged with a specific entity. Liability Without this protection, a common carrier would be liable for any damages to the cargo being hauled except for incidents involving an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane; public enemy, such as an act of war; fault of the shipper, suc...

Medical malpractice insurance is only available to physicians so that they will be protected in the event of a judgment against them for medical malfeasance. Most states require that physicians have this type of insurance, even though most hospitals insist that a physician have this coverage before they can see patients at that hospital. There are some basic details to know about medical malpractice insurance. How It Works Ordinarily, a physician will buy medical malpractice insurance from either a mutual insurance company that is owned by physicians or a commercial insurance company. He can buy individual coverage or be under a policy that covers his entire group. Hospitals are also obliged to buy coverage for the physicians who are on their staffs. However, if you are a physician that is employed by the federal government, you need no such coverage, since any lawsuit would be against the federal government, which is self-insured. ...

If you become injured while working on the job, you may be entitled to worker's compensation benefits. Your employer pays you worker's compensation benefits, but in exchange, you agree not to sue them in court for your injuries. Function, According to Nolo, "Worker's compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses." Types Worker's compensation provides claimants with several types of benefits, including monetary, medical and vocational rehabilitation. Considerations Although worker's compensation covers most injuries, it does not cover injuries, such as injuries occurring while intoxicated on the job, self-inflicted injuries and injuries sustained when an employee is not on the job or performing job-related duties. ...

Certified mail through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is an extra service that allows people to know that their letter or package has arrived at its destination. A piece of mail that is sent using certified mail must be signed for when it is delivered. The signature is then kept on file as part of the certified mail service. Certified mail is available to U.S. addresses, as well as military addresses (APO and FPO). Mail sent through the United Nations post office in New York City is also eligible for certified mail. Pay extra fees for the certified mail service in addition to the regular cost of mailing your item. Certified mail is available for letters and parcels that are being sent either first class or through priority mail. Your local post office will have a pricing chart available for extra services, including certified mail. Write the recipient's U.S. address legibly on the certified mail form in ink. A post office ...

This article outlines the definition of a performance bond and how it works. What Is a Performance Bond? Look at the skyline of any major city and you are bound to spot the state bird--the crane. When eying new construction that scatters over America's downtowns, suburbs, and rural landscapes, did you ever stop to think who is financially backing these projects? Probably not, but if you have ever heard the term performance bond, after reading the following paragraphs, you may never look at construction or those annoying highway repair projects the same way again. What Is a Performance Bond? (continued) According to the International Risk Management Institute, Inc., "A performance bond guarantees that [a] contractor will perform [said] work in accordance with the construction contract and related documents, thus protecting the owner from financial loss up to the bond limit (called th...