Episodes

  • Wage Theft, Gig Work, and the Fine Print: What’s Really Hitting Your Payroll?
    Nov 3 2024
    Understanding Payroll Deductions and Wage Theft: Episode 130 Welcome to Episode 130 of 'It's About Your Paycheck'! In this episode, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II dive deep into payroll topics relevant to both new and seasoned professionals. They discuss the issue of wage theft, the importance of understanding payroll deductions, and the protections in place for employees, particularly in California. They also touch on sports updates and share their thoughts on the current state of women's basketball. Tune in to gain insights on wage regulations, employee rights, and the impact of state-specific rules on your paycheck. Stay informed and ensure you're not missing out on important payroll essentials! 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:20 Casual Conversation and Sports Talk 02:55 Wage Theft Discussion 07:22 Deductions and Overpayments 10:10 Sponsorship Shoutout 12:03 California Deductions Overview 15:05 Understanding Uniform Costs and Business Losses 15:37 Inspecting Payroll Records and Written Notices 16:12 Mandatory Deductions and Employee Education 16:47 Contacting Labor Commissioners and Statute of Limitations 17:18 Protection Against Retaliation and Final Thoughts 17:32 Engaging Discussion and Future Show Ideas 18:29 Allowed and Prohibited Deductions in California 20:54 Union Agreements and Tardiness Deductions 22:38 Prohibited Deductions and Employee Rights 27:04 Private Employers and Legal Definitions 27:56 Gig Workers and Payroll Protections 31:07 Concluding Remarks and Community Engagement Pay News Updates - 10 Min Walt (5 min) https://calmatters.org/explainers/when-employers-steal-wages-from-workers/ v Brian (5 min) https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/education-news/hisd/2024/10/08/502334/houston-isd-to-make-payroll-deductions-for-thousands-of-teachers-after-overpayment-error/ To learn more, Please contact TimeTrakGO at 888-321-9922 or visit www.timetrakgo.com t-i-m-e-t-r-a-k-g-o.com LET’S GO!!! https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • California: Minimum Wage
    Oct 27 2024
    California Minimum Wage: Insights, Impacts, and Solutions In this comprehensive episode of It's About Payroll and It's About Your Paycheck, hosts Brian and Walt delve into the intricacies of California's minimum wage laws, highlighting the importance of understanding local wage variations across different cities and counties. The discussion covers recent trends and societal impacts of minimum wage increases, particularly in the fast food industry. Insights are shared on the positive job growth data and concerns from business owners about higher wages. Notably, the episode reveals a shocking payroll fraud case involving underpaid workers and emphasizes the importance of payroll compliance. Featured resources include Berkeley.edu for accurate wage information and the TimeTrack Go system for efficient payroll management. The episode concludes with a discussion on California's inflation-based wage adjustments and a teaser for upcoming content on paycheck rules and financial insights. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and follow the show for more valuable payroll-related content. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:40 Casual Conversation and Banter 01:27 Reflections on Life and Success 02:43 AI and Music Industry Controversies 03:46 Hip Hop and Movie Recommendations 06:37 California Minimum Wage Discussion 08:18 Fast Food Industry Wage Issues 10:17 Payroll Fraud and Legal Consequences 12:38 Sponsor Message and Upcoming Webinar 13:48 Exploring Time Track Go Features 14:48 California Minimum Wage Breakdown 16:44 Understanding Local Wage Variations 20:22 Employee Rights and Responsibilities 21:26 Employer Compliance and Challenges 24:14 Safe Talk: Wage Adjustments and Cost of Living 28:11 Closing Remarks and Future Topics Links/Sources https://www.fastcompany.com/91212542/when-california-raised-fast-food-wages-jobs-actually-increased-thats-not-what-the-industry-wants-you-to-think [Wage Theft in California] (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlsepressreleases.htm) - [Immigrant Workers and Wage Theft](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-06-20/wage-theft-immigrant-workers-california) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • True Payroll Crimes: From Ghost Employees To Luxury Cars
    Oct 20 2024
    Uncovering Payroll Fraud: Strategies, Stories, and Solutions IUncovering Payroll Insights, True Crimes, and Fraud Prevention Strategies In this comprehensive episode of 'It's About Payroll, It's About Your Paycheck,' hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II introduce TimeTrack Go, discuss its benefits, and invite listeners to their webinar on October 29th. The episode includes condolences for Hurricane Helene victims, updates on U.S. port strikes and elections, and features true crime stories involving payroll fraud. Key discussions encompass job security derived from workplace secrets, wage theft by a former Wendy's manager, and the financial crime case of Linda Johnson. The hosts emphasize the significance of fraud detection, regular audits, and the use of automated systems in payroll processes, advocating for business continuity, transparency, and professional ethics. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:23 Upcoming Webinar Announcement 01:18 Casual Conversation and Catching Up 03:17 Current Events and Updates 06:39 True Payroll Crimes: New Orleans Case 16:17 True Payroll Crimes: Wendy's Ghost Employee 20:45 Financial Struggles and Justifications 21:49 John Q: A Moral Dilemma 23:10 Consequences of Fraudulent Actions 23:58 Professional Reputation and Integrity 27:13 Strengthening Payroll Oversight 28:53 The Importance of Audits and Controls 30:14 Leveraging Technology in Payroll 34:44 Case Study: Payroll Fraud Detection 38:14 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 42:24 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Season 10 Review
    Oct 13 2024
    In the final episode of Season 10 for 'It's About Payroll' the hosts reflect on their journey and the evolution of the podcasts. The episode covers discussions about the potential impact of venting at work, advisories on staying safe amidst a looming storm in South Florida, and the importance of having payroll professionals in decision-making positions like the IRS's Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee. The significance of concise content delivery and engaging guest appearances are emphasized. The hosts also express excitement about joining the podcast network, Work Defined, and highlight their plans for the upcoming seasons, including featuring guest creators specializing in advice for employees. The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing employee rights, especially in states like New York and California, and explores the show's commitment to remain employee-centric while being informative for payroll professionals. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:22 Season 10 Finale: Reflections and Updates 01:17 Weather Woes: Preparing for the Storm 04:32 Season Recap: Highlights and Favorites 05:11 Payroll News: PAYORG Announcement 08:16 Sponsorship Shoutout: TimeTrakGO 09:16 Season Review: Key Takeaways and Future Plans 17:36 Network Collaborations and Exciting Guests 18:25 Shoutout to Britney Furr 19:42 National Payroll Week Highlights 20:08 Building a Presence on TikTok 21:11 Upcoming Season Expectations 23:38 Engaging with Other Creators 26:48 The Importance of Venting at Work 33:33 Transparency and Wellness in Payroll 34:58 True Crime and Payroll Stories 36:05 Final Thoughts and Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Beyond the Paycheck: Deductions in the Lone Star State, Heritage Month, and F-Cancer
    Oct 7 2024
    In this episode of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II delve into the intricacies of payroll in Texas, particularly focusing on legal deductions such as court-ordered payments, law-required withholdings, and the necessity of written consent from employees. They discuss recent economic updates, including a potential port strike affecting consumer prices and the cost of goods. Furthermore, they touch upon current events related to employment, like Amazon's back-to-office mandates and Citibank's security measures. The episode highlights the critical need for both employers and employees to understand payroll laws like Texas's payday law, promoting transparency and compliance. They encourage employers to educate their teams and employees to be proactive in understanding their paychecks. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:21 Episode Overview and Texas Deductions 00:46 Quarter End Preparations 01:30 Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness 02:20 News Update: Looming Port Strike 04:55 Consumer Impact and Preparedness 08:03 Corporate Updates: Amazon, Citibank, and Tesla 11:32 Main Topic: Texas Deductions 13:54 Understanding Medical Deductions 14:12 Handling Overpayments in Payroll 14:57 Employer Deductions and Fees 15:45 Navigating Texas Employee Law 17:16 Importance of Written Consent 18:02 Employee Handbooks and Legal Advice 20:20 Balancing Employer and Employee Responsibilities 25:35 Attitude and Workplace Culture 28:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Texas: Minimum Wage
    Sep 29 2024
    In this episode, we delve into the unique aspects of Texas payroll, focusing on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and its implications. We discuss exceptions to this minimum wage, factors payroll professionals need to consider, and the importance of understanding state-specific laws. Additionally, we announce our new affiliation with the Work Defined Network and share some interesting payroll-related news stories. Join us as we navigate the complexities of payroll management in Texas and offer valuable advice for both employees and payroll pros. 00:00 Introduction and Texas Payroll Overview 00:41 Episode 125: Catching Up and Announcements 02:41 Joining a New Network 04:37 Texas Minimum Wage Discussion 05:42 Pay News Updates 08:26 Remote Work Debate 13:15 Sponsor Message 14:38 Texas Minimum Wage Exemptions 20:18 Understanding Minimum Wage and Negotiation 20:50 State-Specific Wage Exceptions 21:09 Employee Rights and Minimum Wage 23:22 Challenges of Living on Minimum Wage 28:26 Political Considerations When Moving to Texas 34:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes Links/References https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/news/2024/08/07/texas-man-sent-prison-defrauding-over-1m-covid-19-relief-funds https://thedailytexan.com/2024/09/17/texas-state-employees-union-workers-rally-for-higher-wages-following-return-to-office-mandate/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Quick Check In 9.15.2024
    Sep 15 2024
    Upcoming Episodes on Employee Empowerment, Texas & Payroll Fundamentals We're taking a short break, but stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on Texas minimum wage, and wage laws. We'll continue our state-specific series aimed at empowering employees with crucial information about their rights. Past episodes include California and New York, with Texas coming up next. Also, check out our new payroll fundamentals course for beginners. Special shout out to Gerard Hall for inspiring our mission and to Brianna for her birthday and contributions to our social media efforts. Big announcements are on the way. Stay tuned! 00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Episodes 00:27 State-Specific Employee Information 01:12 Empowering Employees with Knowledge 02:21 New Series: Payroll Fundamentals 02:58 Exciting Announcements and Personal Shoutouts 03:38 Conclusion and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • NY State of Mind: From Payroll to Pumpkin Spice!
    Sep 8 2024
    Intro - 5 Min Current Events Pay News Updates - 10 Min Walt (5 min) https://payroll.org/news-resources/news/news-detail/2024/08/27/get-ready!-changes-to-employer-offered-ewa-programs-are-right-around-the-cornerhttps://share.newsbreak.com/8hhfek17?s=i16 Brian (5 min) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kamala-harris-donald-trump-tax-plan-impact-on-your-paycheck/Tax Proposals from Candidates:Former President Donald Trump aims to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eliminate taxes on tips and Social Security income, and lower the corporate tax rate.Vice President Kamala Harris proposes increasing tax benefits for families and raising the corporate tax rate to offset the costs of expanded tax credits.Trumps helps all but mostly the top 1% and .01%Harris benefit lower income more and hurt the 1% and .01% Both plans add the the US debt regardless of their offset planning Experts say that both plans will lead to higher interest rates and that neither plan addresses the overall economic situation. SPONSORED ADS BrianTimeTrakGO has introduced an innovative new feature designed to simplify time-tracking for both exempt and non-exempt salary employees. This feature aligns with the recent changes in the Fair Labor Standards-Act for salaried employees. Walt By automatically calculating standard 40-hour workweeks and accurately determining overtime when necessary, TimeTrakGO ensures precise employee time while maintaining accurate PTO balances. Additionally, the system can identify instances where non-exempt employees may not have reached the 40-hour threshold. To learn more, Please contact TimeTrakGO at 888-321-9922 or visit www.timetrakgo.com t-i-m-e-t-r-a-k-g-o.com LET’S GO!!! https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24 MAIN TOPICS - 10 min BRIAN NOTES (5 min) 1. NYC Retail Employers with 20+ Employees:If you own a retail business in New York City with 20 or more employees, here are the key rules you need to follow:No On-Call Scheduling: You can't require employees to be available to work without a set schedule. This means no on-call shifts where employees might have to come in at short notice.72-Hour Notice: You must give employees at least 72 hours' notice if you need to cancel their shift, add hours, or make any changes. If a change is made, the employee must consent in writing.Posting Schedules: A hard copy of the work schedule must be posted at least 72 hours in advance at the workplace. Employees are allowed to request a copy of their schedule and can refuse to work shifts that aren't included in the posted schedule​(SGR LawSeyfarthFordHarrison 2. NYC Fast Food Chains with 30+ Locations:If you manage a fast food restaurant that's part of a chain with 30 or more locations across the U.S., here are the scheduling rules you need to be aware of:Good Faith Schedule Estimate: When hiring a new employee, you must provide a good faith estimate of their weekly work hours and give them their work schedule at least 14 days in advance.Schedule Change Premiums: If you make any changes to the schedule with less than 14 days' notice, you have to pay the employee extra. The amount ranges from $10 to $75, depending on how last-minute the change is and what type of change it is (e.g., adding or subtracting hours, changing, or canceling shifts).Clopening Ban: Employees cannot be required to work back-to-back closing and opening shifts (less than 11 hours apart) unless they consent in writing. If they do work such shifts, you must pay them an additional $100.Offering Additional Hours: If you have open shifts, you need to offer them to current employees before hiring new workers​(Law Offices Of David S. Rich, LLCSeyfarthFordHarrisonWelcome to NYC.gov | City of New York WALT NOTES (5 min) Remote Work and Tax Nexus Complications****Issue:** The shift to remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has introduced new tax nexus complexities for employers. In New York, the "convenience of the employer" rule means that if an employee works remotely outside New York for their own convenience rather than the employer's necessity, their income might still be subject to New York state tax.**Impact:** This rule complicates payroll calculations and tax withholding, particularly for businesses with remote employees across multiple states. Payroll professionals must carefully navigate these rules to ensure accurate tax compliance and to avoid issues of double taxation.**Notes and Strategies:**- **Review Remote Work Policies:** Regularly assess and update remote work policies to align with current tax regulations and ensure clarity on the "convenience of the employer" rule.- **Implement Advanced Payroll Systems:** Invest in payroll software that can handle multi-state tax calculations and automate compliance with state-specific tax laws.- **Consult Tax Professionals:** Engage with tax experts to manage complex tax ...
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    35 mins