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7 Common Payroll Mistakes Small Businesses Make (and How to Avoid Them)

The payroll errors that most often cause penalties or unhappy employees, with simple ways to prevent each one.

Published · 5 min read

Illustration for 7 Common Payroll Mistakes Small Businesses Make (and How to Avoid Them)

The mistakes

  • Misclassifying employees as contractors
  • Missing tax deposit deadlines
  • Using outdated withholding information
  • Not tracking overtime correctly
  • Forgetting state and local requirements
  • Poor record keeping
  • Mixing personal and business accounts

How to prevent them

Use a payroll calendar, keep employee records current, and review each run before approving it. Automated payroll software can calculate taxes and remind you of deadlines, which removes many of these errors.

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This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. GetBizFlow is an independent referral site and may receive a referral benefit if you sign up through our links.