The goal of most businesses is to grow – at least somewhat.  However, in order to grow or to be able to step away from the business for a personal life, vacation, or other ventures, you’ll need help with day-to-day operations.  If you’ve never hired someone before – or it’s been a long time – don’t worry – here’s the information you need to get started.

Comply With Federal & State Regulations

Hiring new employees means complying with federal and state regulations.  Although the following list may seem long, it won’t be a daunting process when you have our assistance

Here’s an overview of what’s generally required when hiring new employees.  You are invited to check out the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) or call our office for assistance. We commonly walk businesses like yours through the hiring process.

• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Often referred to as an Employer Tax ID or Form SS-4, this nine-digit number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and used when paying taxes or reporting information to state agencies.
• Keep Records. The IRS requires employers to keep the following employment tax records for at least four years: 

1) Federal Income Tax Withholding

2) Federal Wage and Tax Statements

3) State Wage and Tax Statements.  Additional records may be required

See the IRS Employer Tax Guide and the IRS State Government Website links for specifics. 

• Verify Employee Eligibility. All employers must verify a new employee’s eligibility to work in the United States.  This is done via the I-9 form that can be obtained and filed online or completed using the paper form.  Verification must be completed within three days of employment and kept on file for three years.
• Register with Your State’s New Hire Reporting Program. All employers must report new and re-hire employees to their state’s New Report Hiring System. The State of Maine’s System can be accessed here.  The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) publishes a list of state new hire reporting websites.
• Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance. All employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance when they have employees.  The insurance can be obtained through a commercial carrier, through their state’s workers’ compensation program, or on a self-insured basis (where the employer assumes the financial risk for providing benefits to employees). Maine has MEMIC.
• Post Required Notices.  Employers must display posters in their workplace that inform employees of their employer’s responsibilities and employees’ rights.  For example, you must use posters identifying federal and state minimum wage (Fair Labor Standards Act, “FLSA”), equal employment opportunity (“EEO”), and safety (Occupational Safety & Health Administration, “OSHA”).
• File Your Taxes. Employers who pay wages are generally subject to taxes and income tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.  The specific form(s) needed depends upon the facts and circumstances of your situation. 

Give us a call to discuss your business expansion and hiring new employees. We have a FREE Seminar dedicated to small businesses issues. For more information, please click here: https://penbaylaw.com/event_calendar_workshops/