SkwerI
Treehouser
For the majority of my career I've worked as a sole proprietor/ subcontractor. First as a freelance climber, then as a freelance bucket truck operator. As most of you know, last year I finally decided to hire my first employee and operate as a complete tree service. I bought a chipper and chip truck and have continued to grow my own business while still doing the occasional bucket work for other tree guys.
I began paying my help just like I've always paid occasional help, cash with no real records. Since the beginning of the year I have recorded how much I've paid him in cash but not taken out any taxes. I'm not concerned with my cost or exposure in the least, so let's not go off on that tangent. I operate as a sole proprietor and pay my taxes quarterly. I will not draw a paycheck as I am the same entity as the business. My concern is for my employee and what he will face come tax time next year. I am not willing or able to manage all the paperwork and calculations and reporting required to handle payroll myself. I have done some brief Google searches on local payroll services and am looking for feedback on what I should be looking for.
I've spoken with one payroll service so far. Local, 4-5 positive reviews on Google and the cost seems very reasonable. They want $50 per month plus $10 per quarterly report and $35 plus $3.50 for each W2 at the end of the year. They offer direct deposit. Seems like a very good deal IMO.
I began paying my help just like I've always paid occasional help, cash with no real records. Since the beginning of the year I have recorded how much I've paid him in cash but not taken out any taxes. I'm not concerned with my cost or exposure in the least, so let's not go off on that tangent. I operate as a sole proprietor and pay my taxes quarterly. I will not draw a paycheck as I am the same entity as the business. My concern is for my employee and what he will face come tax time next year. I am not willing or able to manage all the paperwork and calculations and reporting required to handle payroll myself. I have done some brief Google searches on local payroll services and am looking for feedback on what I should be looking for.
I've spoken with one payroll service so far. Local, 4-5 positive reviews on Google and the cost seems very reasonable. They want $50 per month plus $10 per quarterly report and $35 plus $3.50 for each W2 at the end of the year. They offer direct deposit. Seems like a very good deal IMO.