South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster recently proclaimed September 4-8 Payroll Week in the Palmetto State. This annual event, held in conjunction with the larger National Payroll Week, has been hosted by the American Payroll Association since 1996. The week is used as a time to say thank you to payroll professionals and to educate employees on ways to get the most out of their paychecks.
“National Payroll Week is the perfect time to recognize the incredible contributions of payroll professionals and America’s employees,” said Dan Maddux, executive director of the American Payroll Association. “Together they contribute and collect approximately 67% of the United States’ annual revenue. This funds our military, builds our roads and bridges, and runs our essential programs. Truly, America works because we’re working for America.”
When not shining light on the payroll profession, the APA and its more than 20,000 members educate the public about their paychecks and payroll-related benefits. Tips that employees across the lowcountry can utilize to maximize their paychecks include:
- Split Direct Deposit: Talk to your payroll department about having your paycheck split so that it gets deposited into multiple accounts via direct deposit. This enables you to let your paycheck automatically do your saving and budgeting for you. Take the thought out of putting money away for your savings account, mortgage, or vacation fund.
- Plan For Your Future: If your company offers an Employee Retirement Savings Program, like a 401(k), take advantage of it, especially if they offer to match all or part of what you contribute. Not taking part is turning down free money. Retirement savings programs can also reduce your taxable income, which will save you money now.
- Take Care of Your Health: Lower your tax bill when you take advantage of health savings accounts (HAS) or flexible spending accounts (FSA). With both of these specialized savings accounts, you decide how much money you want to set aside each month and your payroll department takes care of it for you. The best part is the money is taken from your paycheck before taxes are calculated, which means you get to keep more of your money to pay for things you need. You can use the money in your HSA account to pay for medical expenses. Your FSA can also be used for medical expenses but you can use it for other important costs like daycare, new eyeglasses, doctor visits, and more.
“Knowledge is power,” said Maddux. “Through far-reaching education initiatives, we can empower our current and future workforce to make smart decisions with their paychecks and how they’re paid.”
A lot of things may change in life but thanks to payroll, payday is always the best day of the week. For more information about National Payroll Week, to complete the NPW Survey for your chance at an extra payday and vacation, or for more ways to maximize your paycheck, visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com.
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