PTO policy basics: what small businesses get wrong
Virginia doesn't require PTO yet, but a paid sick leave law is coming. Learn how to write a PTO policy that holds up and which mistakes to skip.
Payroll & Compensation
How owners and employees get paid and taxed. Resources cover the difference between W-2 and 1099, reasonable salary requirements, and how to stay compliant with payroll obligations.
9 articles
What happens when you run payroll? A behind-the-scenes walkthrough
A behind-the-scenes walkthrough of what happens between hitting run payroll and your employee's paycheck landing, from withholding to filings.
Why we bring in BambooHR once payroll software isn't enough
BambooHR structures the HR side of a growing business — hiring, performance, and records. Here's the pricing model and where it earns its cost.
When a team outgrows Gusto: the case for iSolved
Gusto covers most small teams, but iSolved is built for real HR complexity at scale. Here's the pricing, the HCM features, and who it's actually for.
Gusto: our default pick for payroll
Gusto is the payroll platform we recommend most often. Here's the pricing, the contractor support, and where it stops being the right fit.
Retirement plan options for small business owners
SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or defined benefit plan? A side-by-side breakdown of which retirement plan actually fits your business and income.
Hiring your first employee: what you need to do
EIN, I-9, payroll setup, employer taxes, new hire reporting — here's everything you need to have in place before and after your first employee starts work.
W-2 vs. 1099: what's the difference?
Employee or independent contractor? Here's what W-2 and 1099 classifications mean for taxes, liability, and how to get the classification right.
How to pay yourself from your business
Owner draws, W-2 wages, distributions — how you take money out depends on your entity type. Here's how each method works and why it matters.