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Amber Cochran

Amber Malik is a payroll specialist with FocusPay Solutions. Amber manages client payroll portfolios and assists with payroll processing and filing.

Recent Posts

Form I-9 Basics

Posted by Amber Cochran on Dec 13, 2023

Form I-9 has been modernized, allowing E-Verify employers to remotely examine I-9 documents. All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 for everyone hired — citizens and noncitizens alike.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

DOL Proposes Increase to Salary Threshold Amounts

Posted by Amber Cochran on Nov 08, 2023

On August 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposal to raise the minimum weekly salary. 

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

How to Create a Raise Policy

Posted by Amber Cochran on Nov 03, 2023

In most cases, employees anticipate receiving a raise after working a certain amount of time at your firm — usually six months to a year. Top performers who consistently exceed expectations expect to be paid a salary that reflects their hard work and level of responsibility. You look to offer competitive compensation to retain your best workers.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Taxable and Nontaxable Employee Benefits

Posted by Amber Cochran on Sep 15, 2023

As the unemployment rate falls from its 2020 high, employees are switching jobs in record numbers. The new stability in the economy means workers have more leeway to shop around for jobs that fit their lifestyles, needs, and values. Now, the onus is on employers to provide an environment that makes their star team members want to stay and also attracts new talent. Part of that equation is providing a great benefits package. But if you're one of the many employers expanding their benefits, how do you pay taxes on your new programs?

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Know Your Employee Injury Responsibilities

Posted by Amber Cochran on Aug 10, 2023

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration takes employee injuries very seriously and requires companies to submit injury data. The requirements are complex, and you may want to work with experts in this field, depending on the kind of business you run.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Your Tax Obligations as an Employer

Posted by Amber Cochran on Aug 04, 2023

You need time and energy to run and grow your business, so you've outsourced your payroll process. You decided to go with a third-party payroll provider to handle some or all of your employment tax duties.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Are You Ready for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act?

Posted by Amber Cochran on Jul 19, 2023

On Dec. 29, President Joe Biden signed the PWFA, to become effective on June 27. Like many laws, the text can be complex, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has provided a summary of the key provisions.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

DOL Regulations on Tip Sharing

Posted by Amber Cochran on Jun 06, 2023

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers with tipped workers can take a "tip credit," which allows them to pay tipped workers less than the federal minimum wage if the employees' tips make up the difference.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

7 Considerations When Preparing Your Payroll Budget

Posted by Amber Cochran on Jun 02, 2023

Most companies spend 20% to 30% of their annual revenue on payroll. The exact amount varies based on the employer's size, industry, staffing, and operational needs. In some industries, such as service, it's not uncommon for payroll to encompass up to 50% of revenue. For other industries, such as manufacturing and food and beverage, it usually takes up no more than 20% to 30%.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Considering HR Outsourcing

Posted by Amber Cochran on May 12, 2023

Outsourced HR services are designed to streamline functions, reduce expenses and help meet your firm's operational goals. You may hire a third party to oversee some or all of your HR functions, including payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and talent acquisition.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

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