--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Payroll, HR & Benefits (3) description: Payroll, HR & Benefits | (3) --- [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 [![mm-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png)](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) - 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[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 ## [Retaining Payroll Records](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/retaining-payroll-records) ![](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 14, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Records%20-483216464-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/retaining-payroll-records) Let's start by reviewing what federal law requires you to retain: [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/retaining-payroll-records) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Suspended Tip Scheme Gets Stake in the Heart](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/suspended-tip-scheme-gets-stake-in-the-heart) ![](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 04, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Court%20ruling%20-907934042-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/suspended-tip-scheme-gets-stake-in-the-heart) A rule that a federal court suspended in August 2024 seems to be  well and truly dead now. As the Society for Human Resource Management explained in a release, the DOL has withdrawn its 80/20/30 rule. This complicated rule, the SHRM noted, divided work into three categories: traditional tipped labor, supporting work preparing or assisting such work, and work that was unrelated to tipped work. Businesses could only apply the tip credit under certain circumstances, based on time spent and the specific categories. The details were complex — and became irrelevant thanks to a 5th Circuit ruling. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/suspended-tip-scheme-gets-stake-in-the-heart) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Understanding Key Payroll Changes for 2025](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/understanding-key-payroll-changes-for-2025) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Katelyn%20Parks%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Katelyn Parks](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/katelyn-parks) on Jan 08, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Payroll%20-517634168-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/understanding-key-payroll-changes-for-2025) As we approach 2025, it is essential for businesses to stay updated on recent changes impacting payroll, benefits, and compensation. This year brings several key updates, including an increase in the IRS standard mileage rate for business use, adjustments to 401(k) contribution limits, and a significant legal decision affecting overtime regulations. Below, we break down these changes and their implications for your payroll operations. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/understanding-key-payroll-changes-for-2025) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Better the Devil You Know: Long-Term Employees](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/better-the-devil-you-know-long-term-employees) ![](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 12, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Employees%20-1354743579-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/better-the-devil-you-know-long-term-employees) It is more useful to contrast the distinct strengths and skills each of these groups represents. On one hand, lifers embody loyalty and rich experience. They have committed substantial time and effort to help their organizations thrive. Job hoppers, however, are often cultivated as a replacement source of fresh thinking at the cutting edge. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/better-the-devil-you-know-long-term-employees) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Employers' Responsibilities Under the SECURE 2.0 Act](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employers-responsibilities-under-the-secure-2.0-act) ![](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 Nov 08, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Benefits%201396624667-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employers-responsibilities-under-the-secure-2.0-act) The SECURE 2.0 Act aims to expand the ease of saving for retirement, to simplify the management of retirement plans, and, in general to improve financial security for American workers and retirees. The updated law includes new options for 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions, adjustments to the required minimum distribution age for IRAs, and increased catch-up contribution limits. The act also has incentives to encourage employee enrollment. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/employers-responsibilities-under-the-secure-2.0-act) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Quiet Vacationing: A Question of Company Culture](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quiet-vacationing-a-question-of-company-culture) ![](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 04, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Vacation%20on%20the%20beach%20903696114-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quiet-vacationing-a-question-of-company-culture) First quiet quitting, now quiet vacationing. What is going on? This is a good question with complicated answers. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/quiet-vacationing-a-question-of-company-culture) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [A Well-Equipped Remote Workforce](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/a-well-equipped-remote-workforce) ![](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 Sep 24, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Remote%20Employees%201313245890-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/a-well-equipped-remote-workforce) Companies and workers had to rapidly adjust and improvise during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that work-from-home routines and policies have become more established, employers are creating policies to provide their remote employees with tools for productivity and comfort. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/a-well-equipped-remote-workforce) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Compliant Background Checks](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/compliant-background-checks) ![](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 13, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Background%20check%20917896520-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/compliant-background-checks) According to the National Association of Background Screeners, 95% of U.S. employers use background checks when hiring employees. Background checks cannot look at medical history or genetic information, but they are legal for assessing a person's work history, education, criminal record, financial history, or social media use. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/compliant-background-checks) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Payroll: Deadlines Are Key](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/payroll-deadlines-are-key) ![](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, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Payroll%202099138803-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/payroll-deadlines-are-key) Simple payroll errors are avoidable, but if you don’t pay attention, you could end up facing consequences that cost thousands of dollars in compliance penalties. Not only that but you might have to deal with unwanted attention on both you and your payroll department. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/payroll-deadlines-are-key) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Earned Wage Access: What's the Story?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/earned-wage-access-whats-the-story) ![](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 04, 2024 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Benefit%201941333244-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/earned-wage-access-whats-the-story) On the surface, earned wage access is a simple, effective employee benefit; for a small fee — typically less than $5.00 per transaction — employees can access a portion of their paycheck before their actual payday. Many workers have minimal savings in the event of an emergency, and EWA can be a far less expensive alternative to high-interest payday loans. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/earned-wage-access-whats-the-story) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) [Previous](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits/page/2) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits/page/4) 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/) - [![AICPA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/aicpa.jpg)](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/) - [![NACVA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - ![2026 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 400](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-ipa-top-400.jpg) - ![2026 Best of Auburn-Opelika](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-auburn-opelika.jpg) - [![2025 Best of OA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-best-of-oa.jpg)](https://oanow.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/) - ![2026 Best of OA Winner](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-oa-winner.jpg) - [![2025 Accounting Today Regional Leaders](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-accounting-today-regional-leaders.jpg)](https://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Employee](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting-employee.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) 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 † This is not a CPA firm. \* Assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Frazier & Deeter, LLC. “Frazier & Deeter” is the brand name under which Frazier & Deeter, LLC\* and Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC† and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. 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