New York State has a complex set of payroll regulations that employers must comply with to avoid penalties and fines. As an employer in New York, it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest payroll laws and regulations to ensure that you're paying your employees correctly and on time. Here are five NY payroll tips to help you navigate the complex world of payroll in New York.
Key Points
- Understand the New York State minimum wage and overtime laws
- Comply with New York State payroll tax laws, including unemployment insurance and workers' compensation
- Provide required payroll documentation, including pay stubs and W-2 forms
- Keep accurate payroll records to avoid audits and penalties
- Stay up-to-date on changing payroll laws and regulations in New York State
Understanding New York State Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws

New York State has a minimum wage law that requires employers to pay employees at least $12.50 per hour, although this rate may vary depending on the location and industry. Employers must also comply with overtime laws, which require payment of at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. It’s essential to understand these laws and ensure that you’re paying your employees correctly to avoid penalties and fines.
Complying with New York State Payroll Tax Laws
New York State has a range of payroll tax laws that employers must comply with, including unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation. Employers must contribute to the New York State Unemployment Insurance fund and provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. It’s essential to understand these laws and ensure that you’re making the correct contributions and providing the required insurance to avoid penalties and fines.
| Payroll Tax | Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Insurance | 2.5% - 9.9% of taxable wages |
| Workers' Compensation | Varies depending on industry and job classification |

Providing Required Payroll Documentation

Employers in New York State are required to provide certain payroll documentation to their employees, including pay stubs and W-2 forms. Pay stubs must include information such as the employee’s name, address, and social security number, as well as the number of hours worked and the amount of pay. W-2 forms must be provided to employees by January 31st of each year and must include information such as the employee’s name, address, and social security number, as well as the amount of wages paid and taxes withheld.
Keeping Accurate Payroll Records
Employers in New York State are required to keep accurate payroll records for at least six years, including records of hours worked, wages paid, and taxes withheld. It’s essential to keep these records up-to-date and accurate to avoid audits and penalties. Employers should also ensure that they’re keeping records of any changes to employee information, such as address or name changes.
What is the minimum wage in New York State?
+The minimum wage in New York State is $12.50 per hour, although this rate may vary depending on the location and industry.
What is the penalty for not complying with New York State payroll tax laws?
+The penalty for not complying with New York State payroll tax laws can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
How long must employers keep payroll records in New York State?
+Employers in New York State must keep payroll records for at least six years, including records of hours worked, wages paid, and taxes withheld.
By following these five NY payroll tips, employers can ensure that they’re complying with all payroll laws and regulations in New York State and avoiding penalties and fines. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest payroll laws and regulations and to keep accurate payroll records to ensure compliance and avoid audits and penalties.