1.
On what form must mistakenly paid wages, for which no repayment is made, be reported?
Correct Answer
A. W-2
Explanation
Mistakenly paid wages, for which no repayment is made, must be reported on Form W-2. This form is used by employers to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, as well as the taxes withheld from their paychecks. By reporting mistakenly paid wages on Form W-2, the employer ensures that the employee's income and tax liability are accurately reflected on their tax return.
2.
A report has been requested that is NOT a standard report from the system. This type of report is called a(n):
Correct Answer
A. Ad-hoc report
Explanation
An ad-hoc report refers to a report that is not a standard report generated by the system. It is a custom report that is created on-demand to meet specific requirements or address specific questions or concerns. Unlike standard reports, ad-hoc reports are not pre-defined and can be tailored to include specific data, filters, and formatting options based on the user's needs. These reports are typically used for one-time or infrequent analysis and are not part of the regular reporting structure of the system.
3.
A procedure to have a time record signed by an employee indicates:
Correct Answer
B. Confirmation of total hours
Explanation
The procedure to have a time record signed by an employee indicates confirmation of total hours. This means that the employee is acknowledging and verifying the number of hours they have worked, ensuring that the recorded hours are accurate. It does not necessarily imply authorization for payment or that the hours cannot be challenged. The purpose of this procedure is simply to confirm the total hours worked by the employee.
4.
For an employee earning $10.20 per hour and participating in a 401(k) plan with a deferral per pay period of $50, compute the federal taxable wages based on the following:
Biweekly pay period
Regular 80 hours
4 hours overtime
3 hours double-time
Correct Answer
D. $938.40
Explanation
The federal taxable wages are calculated by multiplying the regular hours (80) by the hourly rate ($10.20), adding the overtime hours (4) multiplied by 1.5 times the hourly rate, and adding the double-time hours (3) multiplied by 2 times the hourly rate. The correct calculation is:
Regular wages: 80 hours x $10.20 = $816.00
Overtime wages: 4 hours x ($10.20 x 1.5) = $61.20
Double-time wages: 3 hours x ($10.20 x 2) = $61.20
Total = $816.00 + $61.20 + $61.20 = $938.40.
5.
Which of the following statements is CORRECT regarding a federal tax levy?
Correct Answer
D. It is continued each pay period until a release of levy is received.
Explanation
A federal tax levy is a legal action taken by the government to collect unpaid taxes from an individual. This statement is correct because once a federal tax levy is imposed, it continues to be in effect each pay period until a release of levy is received. This means that the employer is required to withhold a portion of the employee's wages and send it directly to the government to satisfy the tax debt. The levy remains in effect until the tax debt is fully paid or until the government releases the levy.
6.
Penalties for failure to make timely deposits are determined by:
Correct Answer
D. A four-tiered penalty structure based on the number of days the deposit is late
Explanation
The correct answer is a four-tiered penalty structure based on the number of days the deposit is late. This means that the penalty for failure to make timely deposits will vary depending on how many days the deposit is late. This suggests that the penalty will be higher for deposits that are late for a longer period of time.
7.
An employer may exclude a business reimbursement from income when the employee's expenses meet which of the following requirements?
Correct Answer
D. Expenses are business-related, substantiated, and excess advances are returned timely.
Explanation
An employer may exclude a business reimbursement from income when the employee's expenses are business-related, substantiated, and excess advances are returned timely. This means that the expenses must be directly related to the business, the employee must provide evidence or documentation to support the expenses, and any excess money received as an advance must be returned within a reasonable timeframe. By meeting these requirements, the reimbursement can be excluded from the employee's income.
8.
Under FLSA, a work week is defined as:
Correct Answer
A. Any 7 consecutive 24-hour periods
Explanation
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a work week is defined as any 7 consecutive 24-hour periods. This means that an employer can establish any 7-day period as their work week, as long as it remains consistent. This definition allows for flexibility in determining when overtime pay is required, as overtime is typically calculated based on hours worked in excess of 40 hours within the defined work week.
9.
At least how often must employers report fringe benefits as income for federal tax withholding purposes?
Correct Answer
D. Annually
Explanation
Employers must report fringe benefits as income for federal tax withholding purposes annually. This means that they need to report the value of these benefits once a year, typically at the end of the tax year. Reporting fringe benefits annually allows employers to accurately calculate the amount of taxes that need to be withheld from employees' paychecks. It also ensures compliance with federal tax regulations and helps to prevent any potential tax issues or penalties.
10.
Certain company records must be retained for four years to comply with regulations of which of the follwoing agencies?
Correct Answer
B. Internal Revenue Service
Explanation
The correct answer is the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS requires certain company records to be retained for four years to comply with their regulations. These records include tax returns, employment tax records, and financial records. By retaining these records, companies can ensure that they are in compliance with IRS regulations and can provide necessary documentation if audited by the IRS.
11.
To build morale and motivate staff, a manager must:
Correct Answer
D. Be sincere and specific with praise
Explanation
To build morale and motivate staff, a manager must be sincere and specific with praise. This means that the manager should genuinely acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of their team members. By providing specific feedback and recognition, the manager can make employees feel valued and motivated to continue performing well. This approach helps in creating a positive work environment and fosters a sense of appreciation and recognition among the staff members.
12.
From which of the following taxes are statutory workers' compensation payments exempt?
Correct Answer
D. Federal income, social security, medicare, and federal unemployment taxes
Explanation
Statutory workers' compensation payments are exempt from federal income tax, social security tax, Medicare tax, and federal unemployment tax. This means that workers' compensation payments are not subject to any of these taxes, providing relief to the recipient.
13.
Which of the following items represents an input interface to the payroll system?
Correct Answer
B. Time and attendance
Explanation
The item "time and attendance" represents an input interface to the payroll system because it is a record of the hours worked by employees. This information is necessary for calculating employee wages and salaries, which are key components of the payroll system.
14.
A company has a gross payroll of $120,589.36. Federal taxes withheld are $24,117.87; combined social security and Medicare taxes withheld are $6,502.50. What is the company's total tax liability for this pay period?
Correct Answer
C. $42,568.04
Explanation
To calculate the company's total tax liability, we need to account for both the employee and employer portions of social security and Medicare taxes. The company is responsible for matching the social security and Medicare taxes withheld from employees.
Here’s how we calculate it:
Federal taxes withheld:
This is purely the employee's tax, so the company does not need to match it.
Amount = $24,117.87
Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld:
The company needs to match this, so we double the employee’s contribution.
Employee portion = $6,502.50
Employer portion = $6,502.50 (matching amount)
Total social security and Medicare taxes = $6,502.50 + $6,502.50 = $13,005.00
Total tax liability:
Add the federal taxes and the total social security and Medicare taxes:
24,117.87+13,005.00=42,568.0424,117.87 + 13,005.00 = 42,568.0424,117.87+13,005.00=42,568.04
Thus, the company’s total tax liability for this pay period is $42,568.04.
15.
One reason many companies use a Zero Balance checking account is that:
Correct Answer
A. Cash is available for investment until items are presented for payment at the company's bank
Explanation
A Zero Balance checking account allows companies to keep their cash available for investment until items are presented for payment at the company's bank. This means that the company can use the funds for other purposes, such as investing in profitable ventures, until the checks are actually cashed by the employees. This provides the company with more flexibility and the opportunity to earn interest on the cash before it is used for payments.
16.
In a customer service situation, Payroll should:
Correct Answer
D. Remain assertive and stay focused
Explanation
In a customer service situation, it is important for Payroll to remain assertive and stay focused. This means that they should confidently address the caller's concerns and maintain their attention on finding a resolution. By remaining assertive, Payroll can effectively handle the situation and provide the necessary assistance to the caller. Additionally, staying focused ensures that they prioritize the customer's needs and work towards a satisfactory outcome.
17.
All of the following items qualify as a de minimis fringe benefit EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Group legal services worth less than $70 annually
Explanation
Group legal services worth less than $70 annually do not qualify as de minimis fringe benefits. De minimis benefits must be of minimal value and impractical to account for. Occasional parties and picnics, and traditional holiday gifts typically qualify as de minimis benefits. However, occasional supper money for working overtime may be considered a form of compensation, thus it does not qualify.
18.
All of the following steps are required when initiating direct deposit for an employee EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
A. Pre-notification
Explanation
Pre-notification is not required when initiating direct deposit for an employee. Pre-notification refers to the process of sending a test transaction to the employee's bank account before initiating the actual direct deposit. It is done to verify that the account information provided by the employee is correct. However, it is not a mandatory step in the direct deposit initiation process. The other steps mentioned, such as receiving the financial institution routing number, getting authorization from the employee, and receiving the employee's bank account number, are all necessary for initiating direct deposit.
19.
When paying supplemental wages along with regular wages WITHOUT specifying the amount of each, how would a company determine the amount of income tax to withhold from the supplemental wages if the employee has been paid no supplemental wages so far during the year and the supplemental wage payment is no more than $1,000,
Correct Answer
C. Withhold income tax as if the total were a single payment for a regular payroll period.
Explanation
When paying supplemental wages along with regular wages without specifying the amount of each, the company would determine the amount of income tax to withhold from the supplemental wages by treating the total payment as a single payment for a regular payroll period. This means that the company would calculate the income tax withholding based on the total amount of both regular wages and supplemental wages, as if it were a regular payment for a standard pay period.
20.
An employer that deposits payroll taxes semiweekly incurs a tax liability of $55,000 on Tuesday and a liability of $110,000 on Wednesday. When should the taxes be deposited?
Correct Answer
B. $55,000 on Friday and $110,000 on the next Wednesday
Explanation
The IRS guidelines for semiweekly depositors state that tax liabilities incurred on Tuesday must be deposited by Friday of the same week, and liabilities incurred on Wednesday must be deposited by the following Wednesday. Therefore, the employer should deposit $55,000 on Friday and $110,000 by the next Wednesday.
21.
Documenting payroll policies and procedures will provide all of the following results EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Assurances of payroll personnel competency and performance
Explanation
Documenting payroll policies and procedures can provide several benefits, including serving as a vehicle for improving processes, a tool for assessing internal business controls, and a mechanism for educating payroll partners, suppliers, and customers. However, it does not directly provide assurances of payroll personnel competency and performance. These assurances would typically come from other sources such as performance evaluations, training programs, or certifications.
22.
Which of the following records MUST be kept for four years?
Correct Answer
D. Voided payroll checks
Explanation
Voided payroll checks must be kept for four years as part of the IRS retention requirements, along with other records like hours worked, time cards, and records of wage payments. These records are essential for tax compliance and auditing purposes.
23.
Techniques for conducting periodic physical payouts:
Correct Answer
A. Are the same for all employees
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the techniques for conducting periodic physical payouts are the same for all employees. This means that regardless of whether an employee is paid by check or direct deposit, or if they are a telecommuter or fall into a specific wage class or compensation level, the techniques used to conduct the payouts remain consistent. This ensures fairness and consistency in the payment process for all employees.
24.
Which of the following plans describes a cafeteria plan under section 125 of the Internal Revenue code?
Correct Answer
C. A plan which permits employees to select two or more qualified taxable and nontaxable benefits
Explanation
A cafeteria plan under section 125 of the Internal Revenue code is a plan that allows employees to choose from a variety of benefits, both taxable and nontaxable, based on their individual needs and preferences. This plan provides flexibility for employees to customize their benefits package according to their specific requirements.
25.
Using federal child support guidelines, calculate the maximum amount of support that can be withheld from an employee's semimonthly disposable earnings of $1,500.00. The employee is four months in arrears in making child support payments and has no other dependents.
Correct Answer
D. $975.00
Explanation
The federal child support guidelines determine the maximum amount of support that can be withheld from an employee's disposable earnings. In this case, the employee's semimonthly disposable earnings are $1,500.00. Since the employee is four months in arrears in making child support payments and has no other dependents, the maximum amount of support that can be withheld is $975.00.