A payroll audit (sometimes called an employment tax audit) is typically triggered when the IRS or your state’s Department of Revenue suspects inconsistencies in how you’ve reported and paid payroll taxes. The most common red flags include mismatched wage reports, unpaid or late payroll taxes, misclassified workers, and large or unusual changes in reported payroll from one year to the next.

Running payroll is not just about cutting paychecks — it’s a core compliance function. Mistakes or late filings can trigger penalties, damage employee trust, or even open your business to legal risk. Choosing the right payroll provider ensures you stay compliant, reduce administrative burden, and free up your time to focus on growth.

Yes, you can do your own payroll — but it requires time, accuracy, and compliance with tax laws. Many small business owners handle payroll themselves, especially in the early stages. However, you’ll need to carefully calculate wages, withhold the correct taxes, file reports on time, and keep up with changing regulations. Using Payroll Software can make DIY Payroll much easier and help you stay compliant.

Payroll is one of those functions that rarely makes headlines when it’s working correctly—but the moment something goes wrong, the ripple effects are enormous. From compliance penalties to employee trust issues, payroll errors are far more expensive than most small business owners realize. In an era where financial margins are tight and labor laws are increasingly complex, overlooking payroll risks is no longer an option.

A FedEx shipping franchisor operating multiple locations needed a payroll system to handle its growing workforce. We helped with this.

A boutique hotel with 30 employees needed help with payroll after multiple errors caused frustration from employees. We helped with this.

A vet clinic chain with four locations and 50+ employees needed a payroll system upgrade. We helped with this.

A regional landscaping company with seasonal employees needed a payroll system to stay compliant with overtime laws. We helped with this.

A chain of daycare centers with 75+ employees needed payroll help after facing IRS penalties and staff complaints. We helped with this.

A regional craft brewery needed a payroll system overhaul and we helped with this.