Payroll Services

Any business that has full-time or part-time employees will benefit from hiring a CPA firm to handle payroll. Cooke, Lavender, Massey & Company, P.C., is equipped to offer payroll services for any business. We have invested in software and training for a team dedicated to this service. We provide convenient weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll services. Our team of experts can handle everything from paying your employees to preparing and filing your quarterly and annual reports. 

Choosing to hire employees is a significant decision for small businesses. It adds a new layer of complexity to the accounting system because the company must pay employees, pay federal and state withholdings, and pay federal and state unemployment taxes. Hiring a qualified CPA to handle your payroll reduces the likelihood of penalties and helps ensure accuracy and timeliness of reporting and payments.

Payroll Services Frequently Asked Questions

  • Each pay period, you will need to provide information about hourly rates, how many hours each employee worked, and any updates to withholdings or deductions for salaried employees. Employers must also provide W-4, I-9, VA-4, and benefit forms for any new employees or contractors. 

  • When a business hires a new employee, there are several required employment forms the employer should obtain from the new employee:

    • W-2 Tax form

    • I-9 Form (and any related documents)

    • Direct deposit authorization (if applicable)

    • Federal W-4 Form

    • VA-4 Employee’s Withholding Exemption Certificate

    • VA New Hire reporting form

Factors to consider when choosing a payroll provider

Whether you use our firm or another provider to assist you with payroll or do it all in-house, there are a few factors you should consider first, including the questions listed below.

  • Businesses who handle payroll in-house run the risk of making mistakes that can take hours of valuable time and money to resolve and can cause significant amounts of stress. 

    One of these common mistakes is filling out quarterly 941 forms inaccurately, which causes them to not agree with the W-2 and W-3 forms at the end of the fiscal year. 

  • Outsourcing payroll to a knowledgeable team of experts will alleviate stress, free up many hours spent on administrative tasks, and ensure your payroll and forms are correct and were processed accurately. This can save you valuable time, energy, and money throughout the year and allow you to focus on the aspects of your business that you enjoy and that provide for future growth and success.