--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Amber Cochran Saxon description: Amber Malik is a payroll specialist with FocusPay Solutions. Amber manages client payroll portfolios and assists with payroll processing and filing. --- [Family of Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/)  |  [CPA & Business Advisory](http://machenmcchesney.com)  |  [Payroll, HR & Benefits](http://focuspaysolutions.com/)  |  [Wealth Management](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) Auburn-Opelika (334) 887-7022 | Montgomery (334) 244-8900 [![Machen McChesney](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hub/471263/file-2521950511.png?width=279&name=file-2521950511.png "Machen McChesney")](http://machenmcchesney.com) Search this site on Google Search Google Search this site on Google Search Google - [Client Portal](https://machenmcchesney.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login) - [1040 Electronic Organizer](https://www.my1040data.com/account/login/HT7902990) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/machenmcchesney) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/101356546927388458481) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/machenmcchesney) - About Us - [Welcome](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/welcome/) - [Affiliations and Associations](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/affiliations-and-associations/) - [Community Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/community-events/) - [Family of Companies](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/) - [History](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/firm-profile-history/) - [Mission and Values](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [Team Directory](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/team-directory/) - Services - [Accounting & Outsourcing](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/accounting-outsourcing/) - [Audit and Assurance Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/audit-assurance/) - [Business Advisory Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-advisory/) - [Business Valuation Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-valuation-services/) - [Family Office Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/family-care/) - [Financial Planning & Wealth Mangement Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) - [Individual Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/individuals/) - [Taxation](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/taxation/) - Who We Serve - [Construction & Real Estate](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/construction-real-estate/) - [Credit Unions](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/credit-unions/) - [Government & Not-For-Profits](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/governmental-not-for-profit/) - [Healthcare & Professional Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/healthcare-and-professional-services/) - [Hospitality, Restaurant & Retail](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/hospitality-restaurant-retail/) - [Manufacturing, Distribution & Automotive](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/manufacturing-distribution-automotive/) - [Success Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Blog](https://info.machenmcchesney.com/blog) - [E-Newsletter Archive](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter-archive/) - [Financial Calculators](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-calculators/) - [Financial Terms Glossary](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-terms-glossary/) - [Helpful Articles](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/newsletter/) - [Tax Calendar](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-calendar/) - [Tax Links](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-links/) - [Track Your Refund](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/track-your-refund/) - [Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter/) - [Subscribe to Our Blog](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/subscribe-to-the-machen-mcchesney-blog/) - News & Events - [Press Releases](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/press-releases/) - [Upcoming Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/upcoming-events/) - Careers - [Our Culture](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/culture/) - [Benefits](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/benefits/) - [Our Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/our-stories/) - [Current Openings](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/current-openings-send-resume/) - [Accounting Internship Opportunities](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/students/) - Contact Us - [Auburn-Opelika Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-auburn-office/) - [Montgomery Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-montgomery-office/) # Returning Value Blog ## Amber Cochran Saxon Amber Malik is a payroll specialist with FocusPay Solutions. Amber manages client payroll portfolios and assists with payroll processing and filing. ### Recent Posts ## [When An Employee's Form W-4 Raises Red Flags](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/when-an-employees-form-w-4-raises-red-flags) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Aug 07, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/w-4-2265528633-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/when-an-employees-form-w-4-raises-red-flags) Your employees use Form W-4, “Employee’s Withholding Certificate,” to tell you how much federal income tax to withhold from their pay. Most forms are routine, but an altered certificate, unusual accompanying statement, or IRS lock-in letter may require special handling. Knowing how to respond can help your business meet its withholding obligations without becoming involved in an employee’s personal tax dispute. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/when-an-employees-form-w-4-raises-red-flags) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Alabama Form A-4: Why "Exempt" Isn't a Choice](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/alabama-form-a-4-why-exempt-isnt-a-choice) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jul 27, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/State%20of%20Alabama%20-981531956-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/alabama-form-a-4-why-exempt-isnt-a-choice) For many employers, one of the most common payroll misconceptions is that employees can simply request that no Alabama state income tax be withheld from their paycheck. Under Alabama law, that is not the case. Alabama Department of Revenue has been adding more emphasis on this as of late. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/alabama-form-a-4-why-exempt-isnt-a-choice) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [IRS Raises Standard Business Mileage Rate to 76¢ Per Mile Beginning July 1, 2026](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jul 23, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Reimbursement%202013991238-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) The IRS has announced an increase to the [optional standard mileage rate for business use of a personal vehicle](https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates), raising the rate to **76 cents per mile** for business travel beginning **July 1, 2026**. Business mileage incurred during the first six months of 2026 should continue to be calculated using the prior **72.5-cent-per-mile** rate. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory), [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [IRS Issues New Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Guidance](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jun 12, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/ERC%20Credit%20-2199603811-%20social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) The Internal Revenue Service has announced a new, streamlined way for taxpayers to extend the period of time for the IRS and the IRS Independent Office of Appeals to review a taxpayer’s response to a disallowance of an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim to avoid refund litigation. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Staying Power: Employee Retention Through Stay Interviews](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jun 10, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Human%20Capital%20Management%201357648425-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) High-performing workplaces such as Google, IBM, Nissan, and Starbucks are among a growing list of organizations that have benefited from having their employees participate in stay interviews. Traditionally, most companies conduct only two interviews: the hiring interview and the exit interview. By the time a company is ready to complete an exit interview, it's too late to address any of the employees' concerns that might have prevented them from looking outside the firm for a job. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Options for Forfeited Employee FSA Balances](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on May 19, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/FSA%20-1566138286-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances)  Many businesses offer health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as part of their employee benefits package. These plans provide valuable tax savings to employees and payroll tax savings to employers. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Remote Work Policies Built for Success](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/remote-work-policies-built-for-success) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Mar 12, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Work%20from%20home%20-915045698-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/remote-work-policies-built-for-success) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one-third of American workers performed some or all of their work from home. There is no question that remote work will continue to be an option for many. With that said, it is important for organizations that offer this to have a firm policy in place. If companies have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that they need to be prepared for the unexpected. Employees need to be able to conduct business wherever they may be. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/remote-work-policies-built-for-success) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Employee Perks That Won't Break the Budget](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employee-perks-that-wont-break-the-budget) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Feb 12, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/custom-video-thumbnails/Employee%20perks-999899048-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employee-perks-that-wont-break-the-budget) Perks are an important part of an employee's work experience. While employees expect to receive a paycheck at the end of the pay period, it's the extras that give working at your company a competitive edge. It might interest you to know that 7 out of 10 employees would be willing to leave their current job for better benefits somewhere else.  [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employee-perks-that-wont-break-the-budget) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Secure 2.0 Act Impacts High Earners Catch-up Retirement Contributions](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/secure-2.0-act-impacts-high-earners-catch-up-retirement-contributions) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Dec 22, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Retirement%20-1207369103-2.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/secure-2.0-act-impacts-high-earners-catch-up-retirement-contributions) FocusPay Solutions wants to share an important update regarding changes to catch-up contributions effective for the 2026 plan year. We want to make sure you understand what is changing, who is affected, and how you can plan accordingly. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/secure-2.0-act-impacts-high-earners-catch-up-retirement-contributions) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Bundling Vacation, Personal Days and Sick Time](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/bundling-vacation-personal-days-and-sick-time) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Oct 10, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Paid%20Leave%20-2178794647-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/bundling-vacation-personal-days-and-sick-time) Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us that require time away from work to resolve them. Running a personal errand, taking a sick family member to a doctor's appointment, or attending a child's parent-teacher conference are some examples of when having paid time off to be used at your own discretion is greatly valued. Employees no longer need to categorize their absence; all time away from work comes from the same single source. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/bundling-vacation-personal-days-and-sick-time) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik/page/2) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Blog ### Posts by Category - [Business Tax (356)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) - [Business Advisory (238)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) - [Payroll, HR & Benefits (124)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) - [Audit & Assurance (113)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/audit-assurance) - [Accounting & Outsourcing (81)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) - [Individual Tax (75)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) - [Tax Planning (33)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [Tax Updates (25)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-updates) - [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning (18)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) - [Taxation (15)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/taxation) - [Alerts (13)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) - [Business Valuation (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-valuation) - [News & Events (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) - [Tax News (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-news) - [Individual Tax Planning (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax-planning) - [Not For Profit (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/not-for-profit) - [Retirement Planning (9)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [Manufacturing Industry Insights (7)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry-insights) - [Individuals (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individuals) - [Insider (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/insider) - [Professional Standard News (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/professional-standard-news) see all [![Returning\_Value](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2504250850-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/Returning_Value.jpg)](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2486483166-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/aicpa.jpg)](http://www.aicpa.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2494475845-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/bdo.jpg)](http://www.bdo.com/alliance/) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2494475855-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - [![](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/readers-choice2019.jpg)](https://oanow.upickem.net/engine/Winners.aspx?contestid=104699) - [![actbf-1](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/actbf-1.jpg?width=121&name=actbf-1.jpg)](http://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![pa400](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/pa400.jpg?width=121&name=pa400.jpg)](http://insidepublicaccounting.com/) 1820 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | Tel: (334) 887-7022 | Fax: (334) 887-7221 1761 Taliaferro Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117 | Tel: (334) 244-8900 | Fax: (334) 364-0927 - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/machenmcchesney) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/101356546927388458481) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/machenmcchesney) [Powered by Skoda Minotti Strategic Marketing](http://marketing.skodaminotti.com)