What Employers Need to Know About 2025 Labor Law Changes

Employment laws are always evolving, and staying compliant can sometimes feel like trying to hit a moving target. With 2025 bringing new updates, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve—so let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

March 26, 2025

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What Employers Need to Know About 2025 Labor Law Changes

March 26, 2025

Payroll

The Payroll Funding Advantage: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly

Ensuring your employees are paid on time is a non-negotiable aspect of running a business—and that's where the vitality of payroll funding comes in.

March 18, 2025

Payroll

Payroll’s Most Underrated Feature—And Why Most Systems Get It Wrong

Running payroll should be seamless, but too often, it’s riddled with unnecessary complexity. One feature that has the power to simplify payroll significantly is net-to-gross calculation. And yet, most payroll systems treat it as an afterthought.

March 3, 2025

The 5 Steps to Successful New Hire Onboarding

Onboarding sets the tone for success. A smooth, engaging process keeps new hires motivated and productive from day one. This blog breaks it down—no fluff, just what works.

February 26, 2025

The Real Cost of Employee Health Issues (It’s More Than Healthcare)

Employee health issues are costing your business more than you think. Beyond healthcare expenses, lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism can take a major toll. Learn how to minimize these hidden costs and boost workplace performance with smarter health and wellness strategies.

February 19, 2025

payroll-and-taxes

The Ultimate Payroll Solution

Between preparing for every pay period, keeping track of accounting, and taking care of taxes, there’s no question that payroll can be a real time killer.

September 18, 2023

timekeeping

Your Time is Valuable – Don’t Lose It!

$7.4 billion. That’s how much money U.S. economy loses in productivity, per day.*Think of what your business could do with all that money. Perhaps invest in better training, equipment, staffing. Maybe you could even go on that vacation...

July 26, 2017

Your Business Spring Cleaning Checklist

If you’re looking to get your office organized and back on track this Spring, just follow Brand’s handy checklist.

April 3, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

Your Guide to IRS Audits

For business owners, audits can seem scary and complicated. That’s why we’ve prepared this easy guide to help you navigate through this intimidating subject.

March 27, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

Why Should Brand’s Take Care of Your Payroll?

How much time do you devote to payroll each pay cycle? How much money are you spending on multiple 3rd party programs that don’t sync up? How much stress does running payroll add to your daily life?

August 1, 2022

timekeeping

Your Quick Guide to Overtime Hours

Overtime requirements can be difficult and hard to follow. But just one mistake in your payroll can result in costly compliance violation fines.

August 21, 2023

Workers’ Comp Pay-As-You-Go

When it comes to Workers’ Comp, the standard way of doing things just doesn’t cut it for dynamic businesses.

November 15, 2021

Workers’ Comp Pay-As-You-Go

November 15, 2021

What is ESS?

ESS is a portal that enables communication between employees and employers, and streamlines the information process between both parties.How do employers benefit from ESS?

December 21, 2017

What You Need to Know About the Updated I-9 Form

The Federal Government’s I-9 Form has recently been updated with some important changes to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of the hiring process. Here are some of the key changes that you should be aware of.

August 21, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

Top 3 Reasons to Use EmployeeDeck

Brand’s EmployeeDeck was designed to make handling payroll easier for every single employee. But what exactly does this tool have to offer?

November 10, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

W-2 & 1099 2018 Filing Dates

It is important that you process all your adjustments in a timely manner, as they all must be filed by Jan-31-2018.W-2 filing deadline: Beginning with the 2017 forms, employers have one filing deadline for all Federal W-2’s – Jan-31-2018...

December 21, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

The New Form W-4 is Finally Here!

Forget everything you knew about W-4 withholdings because the new form W-4 is finally here! On December 5, 2019, the IRS released the final version of the 2020 Form W-4. The new form is very different than previous versions because of...

December 23, 2019

payroll-and-taxes

Update! New NYS Paid Family Leave Law

Effective January 1, 2018, private employers in the state of New York will have to comply with the new Paid Family Leave law.Paid Family Leave allows your employees to take time off for the following reasons:The birth or adoption of a...

November 21, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

Update! 2018 Federal Withholding Changes

On December 22nd, the President signed a tax reform bill which will make substantial changes to the US tax system.The changes will mostly have practical ramifications beginning in 2018. As soon as the IRS releases the updates, we will...

December 26, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

Simple Accounting Integration that Works for Everyone

The more finances move around, the easier it becomes for something to get lost in the mix. That’s why Brand’s payroll technology is designed to be fully compatible with all accounting software.

April 4, 2022

Three Features to Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

With winter storms and existing COVID shutdown limitations, now is as good a time as ever to make sure you don’t have to worry about paper check delivery.

March 2, 2021

Three new laws NY/NJ business owners MUST know about

With all of the labor laws constantly being passed, it can be difficult to ensure that you’re always up to date.

March 24, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

The World of Accounting Is About to Change

If you’re a CPA, we know how busy things can get. You shouldn’t have to focus all of your time and effort on untangling your clients’ messy payroll.

July 4, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

The Ultimate Tool for Efficient Data Entry

At Brands, our mission has always been to simplify the everyday burdens that come along with running payroll and HR. That’s why we designed our Power Imports tool to provide our clients with the most simplified data entry process possible.

July 19, 2022

The Top Key Benefits for Employee Retention

One of the most important jobs an employer has is looking out for their team. Providing benefits for your employees not only helps with employee retention but also ensures that they feel respected and valued.

October 7, 2022

The Do’s and Don’ts of Employee Termination

Almost every manager is familiar with the dreaded termination meeting. It’s almost never easy–or simple–to let an employee go. Sometimes, though, termination is the best option for both parties involved. After all, no one benefits from a...

December 20, 2019

The 5 Keys to High Employee Retention

Employee retention is one of the most essential factors for a successful business.

September 4, 2023

covid-19

Taxpayers, beware of scams!

The IRS recently put out a statement warning taxpayers of fraud during the COVID-19 crisis. Be on the lookout for IRS impersonation calls, texts or emails which can lead to tax-related fraud or identity theft. It’s important to note that...

April 27, 2020

covid-19

Stay informed: Read the Department of Labor’s Public Health Emergencies Q&As

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued FAQ’s on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act as it applies to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. As per the FMLA, covered employers are required to provide eligible employees...

March 23, 2020

timekeeping

Simplify Your Summer Season with Brand's PTO Portal

Summer is a huge season for vacations and paid time off, which can be both a blessing and a curse for businesses. That’s where Brand's PTO Tracking comes in.

June 5, 2023

Reclaim Your Business Passion

Running a business can be challenging. There's simply not time for everything! At Brand's Payroll and HR, our purpose is to help you reclaim your passion for the things that truly matter by saving you time, money, and peace of mind.

December 26, 2023

timekeeping

Scheduling Just Got a Whole Lot Smarter

Gone are the days when shift scheduling changes require back and forth emails, calendars filled to the brim with new notes, and dealing with constant communication issues!

June 7, 2022

timekeeping

Scheduling, approving shift changes, manually logging work hours into payroll…

Sometimes it feels like keeping track of time takes longer than the actual hours your logging!

February 21, 2022

New York Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training

New York Mandatory Sexual Harassment TrainingRecently, both New York state and New York City passed legislation mandating annual sexual harassment training for all employees. These new laws become effective in New York State on October...

October 8, 2018

Reminder: Form 5500 Due by Aug. 1

Employers with employee benefit plans that operate on a calendar year basis must file their annual reports for 2021 with the Department of Labor by 8/1. An employer may extend this deadline by two and one-half months (until Oct. 17).

July 5, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Reminder! New NYS Paid Family Leave Law

Effective January 1, 2018, private employers in the state of New York will have to comply with the new Paid Family Leave law. When the law is fully phased in, employees will be eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave in the case of certain...

December 28, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

Revolutionize Your Payroll with Power Imports

At Brand’s, our mission is to eliminate the everyday burdens that come along with running a business. That's why we have introduced Power Imports, a revolutionary feature that simplifies your payroll processing.

May 22, 2023

NYS/NYC Mandatory Training Protocols

As you are well aware, New York State and New York City have passed legislation mandating annual sexual harassment training for all employees. The first training session must be completed by Wednesday, October 9th, 2019. At Brand’s...

September 9, 2019

payroll-and-taxes

Protect Yourself from Spear Phishers

Spear Phishing: Everything You Need to Know to Protect YourselfIn an increasingly digitized world, Fraudsters utilize the ever-changing technological landscape to their advantage, and recently, many have been embracing the increasingly...

August 8, 2018

payroll-and-taxes

Payroll with Brand's Paydeck

Do you find yourself overwhelmed trying to keep your payroll on track? With all of the different reports you need to run and keep track of, it’s no real surprise.

January 19, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Protect Your Payroll with Positive Pay

Check fraud is one of the most serious and pressing issues in the world of payroll. That’s why Brand’s offers a variety of tools to help keep your payroll safe and secure, including Positive Pay.

October 30, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

PayDeck 2.0: Where AI Meets Efficiency in Error-Free Payroll

PayDeck 2.0 is a game-changing payroll software that combines ease of use with powerful AI assistance. Learn how it streamlines payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency with its intuitive design and error-proofing capabilities.

January 11, 2024

payroll-and-taxes

NYS Paid Family Leave & Relevant Legislative Updates

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has announced the maximum contribution rate for the New York State Paid Family Leave, to be in effect beginning January 1, 2018.Here’s a brief outline of Paid Family Leave:The...

July 4, 2017

Minimum Wage Updates

Beginning December 31, 2017, the minimum wage requirements for New York State employees will increase. We recommend that you review the new policies to ensure your compliance.On December 31, 2017, the minimum wage for employers in New...

December 21, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

Fresh Look, Fresh Service

Hotter than a freshly printed paycheck, smoother than the roll of a new conference room chair, today, Brand’s is proud to show off our renewed visual identity.

November 19, 2020

payroll-and-taxes

New Pay Deck Features You Should Know About

Brand’s Pay Deck has always been a great tool for employers to manage their payroll, but we've recently added two new features to make accessing your payroll information even easier.

April 25, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Minimum Wage Updates for NYS and NJ

As with every new year, many states, including New York and New Jersey, have increased their minimum wage rates for 2020.In most states, the increased rate becomes effective on January 1, 2020. In New York State, on the other hand, the...

December 23, 2019

payroll-and-taxes

Is Your Password Good Enough?

The threat of identity theft and cybercriminals is more real than ever. Hackers are everywhere –and your password is often the only barrier between yourself and your personal data.In an effort to protect taxpayers from identity theft,...

December 10, 2019

payroll-and-taxes

Last Chance to File Your EEO-1

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires qualifying employers to submit a demographic report of their employees, called an EEO-1, by this Saturday, March 31st.What is the EEO-1?These employers must submit a report,...

March 28, 2018

payroll-and-taxes

Manual Checks: How to Save You Job in HR

Forget to send payroll? Don't worry, we've got your back.

October 14, 2021

payroll-and-taxes

Let Us Know What’s on Your Mind

At Brand’s, we are always striving to improve our services so that we can create the best possible experience for our users. That’s why Brand’s Paydeck has a built-in feedback tab that you can submit to any time.

June 20, 2022

Important DOL Update Regarding FUTA Credit Reduction

Employers with outstanding Title XII balances of two or more consecutive years are subject to a reduction of FUTA tax credits. All advances must be repaid before November 10th of the taxable year to avoid this reduction.

November 29, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Keeping Your Payroll Secure

At Brand's, we understand just how important it is that your access to your payroll and HR information is completely secure. That’s why we employ the best methods possible to ensure your account remains protected.

August 15, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

IRS Raises Mileage Rates

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS has made a mid-year adjustment to the optional mileage rate - for the first time since 2011.

June 13, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Is your company’s I-9 form up to date?

On January 31, a new version of the I-9: Employment and Eligibility Verification form was published. The previous form officially expired way back in August, but employers were instructed to continue using it until a new one was released...

February 18, 2020

payroll-and-taxes

IRS, States and Tax Industry Warn Employers to Beware of Form W-2 Scam; Tax Season Could Bring New Surge in Phishing Scheme

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today urged all employers to educate their payroll personnel about a Form W-2 phishing scam that made victims of hundreds of organizations and thousands of..

January 22, 2018

payroll-and-taxes

Important Reminder: Social Security 2023 Wage Cap Jump

On January 1, 2023, the Social Security Administration officially raised the wage cap to $160,200.

January 30, 2023

How to Handle the Rise of Remote Work

With finding the right talent becoming increasingly difficult, more and more employers have found themselves looking to hire remote workers. Our tools and services can help you easily manage your remote workforce, every step of the way.

February 28, 2023

covid-19

Important COVID-19 Recommendations

As the world faces coronavirus (COVID-19) and takes steps to mitigate its negative impact, here at Brand’s Paycheck we are keenly aware of how important a reliable paycheck is during these temporarily uncertain times.We are here to help...

March 27, 2020

How to Terminate an Employee

Firing an employee is uncomfortable, no matter the scenario. To avoid wrongful termination and anti-discrimination lawsuits, consider the below steps and notes on a legal termination.

February 20, 2023

HR360

Running a Human Resources department can be quite the juggling act.

November 10, 2021

How Brand’s “Pay-As-You-Go” Workers Compensation Insurance Can Save You Time and Money

Pay-as-you-go worker’s compensation insurance is quickly becoming the preferred way to pay for your worker’s comp insurance.

June 15, 2021

Hiring Update from the New York City Commission on Human Rights

As of November 1st, New York City employers must disclose salary ranges on all posted job ads, promotions, and transfer opportunities.

December 12, 2022

Heightened action on FMLA compliance

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced this month that it will be implementing "vigorous enforcement" of workplace rights in warehouse and logistics industries.

March 8, 2022

covid-19

House Approves Corrections to the Coronavirus Relief Bill

On Monday, March 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed technical corrections to the coronavirus relief bill, also known as the Families First coronavirus Response Act. The bill is yet to be passed by the Senate and signed by the...

March 19, 2020

Hiring Made Easy

When trying to fill a position, finding that perfect hire can be a tricky process. You have to cast a wide enough net to reach each potential candidate, but you don’t want those standout applicants to slip through the cracks.

May 4, 2022

Hiring: Part-Time VS Full-Time

When hiring new employees, there is always much to consider. However, one of the most important choices you can make is whether to hire your new employees as part-time or full-time help. Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks...

January 17, 2017

Hiring Made Easy with HRDeck

Hiring a new employee can be a long and taxing process. That’s why Brand’s has put everything you’ll need into one, all-encompassing portal.

November 22, 2022

Give Your New Hires the Perfect First Day

The first day at a new job can be overwhelming for your employees. That’s why HRDeck has tools to make the whole process as quick and straightforward as possible.

September 19, 2022

Health Care Reform Updates

ACA reporting is still required. Large employers need to continue to comply with 2017 ACA reporting requirements, as Congress has still been unsuccessful in its attempts to repeal it.If you are a large employer and have already signed up...

November 28, 2017

GOP Offers Replacements to the Affordable Care Act

The new Trump administration is hard at work to repeal the Affordable Care Act, informally known as Obamacare. Both the House and the Senate have proposed healthcare replacements which feature drastic budget cuts to Medicaid, enabling...

July 12, 2017

payroll-and-taxes

Form I-9: No more expired documents

Starting May 1, employers will no longer be able to accept expired identity documents for verifying work eligibility on the I-9 Form. Employers are required to update their Forms I-9 by July 31, 2022.

March 30, 2022

Five Resume Red Flags

Nothing is more frustrating than interviewing a candidate, only to later find out that they lied about their qualifications. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five red flags to look out for when reviewing a candidate’s resume.

July 17, 2023

Exciting News: Brand's Paycheck Teams Up with PLAID for Enhanced Security and Efficiency!

Brand's Paycheck is embarking on a dynamic partnership with PLAID, a renowned fintech cybersecurity platform. This collaboration is set to elevate the security and efficiency of our payroll services.

August 14, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

Don’t hold your breath waiting for your tax return: The IRS is Backed Up With Over 35 million Unprocessed Returns.

Still waiting for your tax returns? You’re not alone, according to a watchdog report. While the IRS is conducting tax audits, this taxpayer advocacy group has been conducting an audit of its own,

July 15, 2021

covid-19

Emergency Medical and Family Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA)

Until now, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was only applicable to larger employers, was focused primarily on job protection and did not mandate any pay. This emergency act, however, while it also provides job protection, includes...

March 24, 2020

covid-19

Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSL)

The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, scheduled to go into effect by April 2, 2020, requires employers employing less than 500 employees to pay their employees (regardless of how long they are employed) if they can’t work or telework for one..

March 23, 2020

covid-19

Back to The Office? Make Sure You’re Prepared!

Business regulations relating to COVID-19 are shifting as more and more restrictions are being lifted in hopes of reopening. Now is the time employers must consider how they plan on preparing their business for reopening. …

May 21, 2020

DOL guidance on unlawful retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a Field Assistance Bulletin on protecting workers from retaliation. It provides examples of prohibited retaliation.

March 30, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

DOL Issues New Salary Limits for Overtime Exemptions

On September 24, 2019 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new updated salary threshold that some individuals must meet in order to qualify for a minimum wage and overtime exemption under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act...

December 23, 2019

DOL Guidance on FMLA and Mental Health

New guidance makes clear that mental health conditions are considered serious health conditions under the FMLA if they require inpatient care or continuing treatment by a health care provider, such as overnight stays in a treatment center.

June 8, 2022

Did You Receive This UI Insurance Charge?

If you are a New York business owner, you may have noticed a new charge on your unemployment insurance bill called the Interest Assessment Surcharge (IAS).

August 21, 2023

covid-19

COVID-19: Brand’s Customer Support

Is Brand’s operating as usual?Yes! Brand’s Paycheck is still open for business. We are closely monitoring guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the WHO and local authorities, to assure that we have been preparing...

March 24, 2020

Brand's Labor Law E-Update Service

When was the last time you updated the labor law notices hanging around your workspace?

January 11, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

Brand’s Paycheck 2019 Year-End Guide

Each year comes with fresh and exciting opportunities for growth and success. But for business owners and HR managers, the end of the year and the start of a new one, can be a busy, stressful, and oftentimes, overwhelming time...

December 19, 2019

payroll-and-taxes

Brand’s Clients Get Access to Funds

Managing Payroll is complicated enough even before you consider the state of your business’ cash flow.

December 3, 2021

Beyond Benefits: Creating an Employee Benefits Package That Pops

In today's dynamic modern workplace, it's more crucial than ever for business owners to offer a compelling benefits package for their employees. Incorporating benefits such as insurance, 401(k), wage flexibility, and pre-tax can help.

January 3, 2024

timekeeping

3 Proven Steps for Effective Employee Scheduling

Employee scheduling can seem like a daunting task. However, by following these simple steps, you can get your scheduling down to a science and go back to focusing your attention on more important matters.‍

May 8, 2023

How well do you know the people that you’re hiring?

Have you looked beyond what they’ve put on their resumes? Beyond what they’ve posted to social media?

February 7, 2022

Automatic ACA Compliance

Staying in compliance with the Affordable Care Act is a balancing act of employee classifications, affordability, measurement periods, and several confusing forms. Get something wrong and you’re in violation of ACA regulations.

October 4, 2021

payroll-and-taxes

Are you protected against check fraud?

If an employee loses their check, how can you stop someone else from cashing it? How can you prevent an employee from cashing the same paycheck twice? It shouldn’t rest on you to personally monitor every check cashed on your payroll, but if

March 15, 2022

This is a New Blog

Want to offer benefits without breaking the bank? These 7 benefits are not only low cost, but they're also incredibly attractive to employees!

April 2, 2024

9 Tips to Reduce Employee Turnover and Increase Retention

Maintaining a high employee retention rate is crucial to cutting costs and projecting a sterling company reputation. These nine tips will help you take concrete actions towards reducing turnover and holding onto top talent.

February 29, 2024

payroll-and-taxes

7 Common Payroll Errors and How to Prevent Them

Payroll mistakes are so incredibly common, and that's because there are so many ways to make them. In this article, we analyze seven of the most common payroll errors that get made - and how you can avoid them!

January 31, 2024

7 Low-Cost Employee Benefits to Offer

Want to offer benefits without breaking the bank? These 7 benefits are not only low cost, but they're also incredibly attractive to employees!

April 2, 2024

All the Answers You Need, Just a Phone Call (or Ticket) Away

When it comes to HR, the work just keeps on coming. From onboarding new hires to employee training to keeping up to date with the latest labor laws, sometimes it seems like your HR department encounters new challenges every single day.

May 19, 2022

5 Ways to Detect Phishing Email

Phishing emails are designed to look like they come from a personal contact or a real business. With all the entities out there trying to access your information, protecting yourself and your business from fraudsters is no easy task.

May 9, 2022

4 Ways Brand’s Can Help You Find the Perfect Hire

Finding the right person for a new role can be a daunting task that requires a lot of time and effort. That’s why we equipped Brand’s HRDeck with our applicant tracking portal.

August 7, 2023

3 Ways You Can Streamline Your Hiring Process

At Brand’s, our mission is to reduce the burdens of running payroll and HR. That’s why we offer these services to ensure that you have the simplest hiring and onboarding experience possible.

October 24, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

4 Tips to Protect Your Payroll

Payroll scams can leave your business vulnerable to financial fraud and data breaches. Luckily, we have a few proactive steps you can take to safeguard your payroll system.

June 19, 2023

payroll-and-taxes

3 Ways Brand’s Can Keep Your Payroll Secure

We know that when it comes to running payroll, security is a #1 priority. That’s why Brand’s is always searching for the most effective ways to keep your payroll protected.

December 26, 2022

timekeeping

3 Ways You Can Save Time on Scheduling

Efficient scheduling is essential to ensuring that everything at your company runs smoothly. But managing your employees’ schedules can also take up a significant chunk of your day.

September 5, 2022

payroll-and-taxes

3 Ways Brand’s Can Help You Through Tax Season

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate, and tax and compliance issues only add to the stress. That’s why Brand’s offers innovative tools that can help you minimize tax mistakes, improve compliance, and reduce expenses.

March 16, 2023

2022 Transportation Benefits for Employees

Here's an overview of the IRS rates and allowances for transportation benefits in 2022. These include mileage reimbursements, parking and transit passes.

May 10, 2022

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