Smooth Onboarding Made Easy
Andy Scheu • October 15, 2024

Streamlining Your Onboarding Process with Time and Pay's Tool

Bringing a new employee on board is an exciting moment, but let's be honest, the process can be overwhelming for both you and your new hire. A structured onboarding experience is crucial in making sure new team members feel welcomed and ready to hit the ground running. It directly impacts how productive, satisfied, and committed they might feel about staying with your organization for the long haul. With this in mind, Time & Pay offers a helpful tool to make onboarding easier and more personalized. Their Hire and Onboarding Tool aims to take the stress out of onboarding so that your new employees not only get a warm welcome but also feel engaged from day one.

When you hire someone new, it's not just about filling a slot; it's about integrating someone into the heart and soul of your organization. The way you onboard them can set the tone for their entire experience, affecting how involved and productive they become, and even how long they'll choose to stay. Time & Pay understands this and provides the Hire and Onboarding Tool to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why a Great Onboarding Experience Matters

Imagine starting at a new job and feeling completely lost on your first day because no one showed you around. Not a great feeling, right? A smooth onboarding experience helps prevent this from happening. It's not just about welcoming new hires but also providing the tools, information, and support they need right from the get-go. As Time and Pay puts it, "Once you hire an employee and you go to onboard, you can refine that packet once again and pick and choose exactly which documents that employee will need to fill out." Being able to tailor the process like this makes onboarding both personal and efficient.

The Benefits of Time and Pay's Onboarding Tool

Think of Time & Pay's tool as a helpful assistant for your HR team. It automates and organizes the tasks that often make onboarding a slog. Here's what you can expect from using the tool:

  • Automated Workflows and Checklists : Automatic workflows mean you don't have to manage every task manually. Whether it's sending out offer letters or setting up training schedules, the tool handles it.
  • Centralized Document Storage : All the paperwork and forms are kept in one place, making them easy to find and manage. This keeps things organized and prevents documents from being lost or overlooked.
  • Improved New Hire Engagement : Quickly getting new hires up to speed keeps them more engaged from the beginning, which can lead to better satisfaction and more people sticking around.
  • Less Time and Work for HR Teams : With automation taking care of repetitive tasks, HR teams can focus on more strategic work.

How Does It Work?

After hiring someone, you'll need to enter some basic details like their name, email address, start date, and pay frequency. Then, Time and Pay's tool makes everything easier. Here's how:

Customizable Onboarding Plans

One of the best features is the ability to create onboarding plans that fit the employee's role and department. For example, an engineer might need different onboarding steps than a sales manager, and the tool lets you make these adjustments.

Automated Tasks

The Onboarding Tool can automatically send out necessary communications or reminders, preventing any steps from being forgotten.

Document Repository

All your crucial documents are stored securely in a central location. You won't have to search for misplaced paperwork or worry about sensitive info being scattered across different places.

Progress Tracking

Tracking progress is another handy feature. You can see how far along each new hire is in their onboarding and find out where they may need a bit more support.

Communication Tools

Easy communication is vital during onboarding. The tool allows smooth interaction between HR teams, managers, and new hires, so everyone stays connected.

Integrating with Your HR Systems

If you're wondering whether this new tool will fit with the payroll side, rest assured, Time & Pay's onboarding tool integrates directly with payroll to ensure employees are set up and ready for pay day. Each step of the process includes clear instructions to guide everyone involved, making it a user-friendly addition.

Proven Success Stories

Time & Pay's tool isn't just a theory; it has been tested and proven. Companies using this tool have reported smoother onboarding processes and more engaged employees. These success stories show how a smart onboarding system really does make a difference.

How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding the cost is essential, especially when you're considering new tech investments. Time & Pay offers clear pricing details and their team supports you every step of the way. Interested in learning more? Their support team is available for any questions you might have. If you are already a Payentry user, this tool is available to you at no additional cost!

Ready to Enhance Your Onboarding Process?

If making your onboarding process easier sounds good, it might be time to check out what Time & Pay's Hire and Onboarding Tool can offer you. Schedule a demo to see how it works and get any questions answered. Reach out to Time & Pay for more details, and start making onboarding a simpler part of your HR duties.

In today's world, where first impressions count, having a smooth and personalized onboarding process can make a big difference for your new hires. Consider how Time & Pay's tool can help you make those crucial first days more seamless, well-organized, and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll Onboarding

What is the payroll onboarding process?

The payroll onboarding process involves setting up new employees in the payroll system to ensure they get paid correctly and on time. This includes collecting essential tax documents, bank details for direct deposit, and any other important information necessary for smooth payroll operation.

Should employees get paid for onboarding?

Yes, employees should be paid for the time spent in onboarding sessions if they participate in any required activities or training as part of their job tasks.

Does HR deal with onboarding?

Yes, HR typically handles the onboarding process. They manage paperwork, provide training, and ensure that new employees understand their roles and responsibilities. HR also works with the payroll department to make sure all information needed for payroll is collected correctly.

What are the inputs and outputs of payroll onboarding?

The inputs of payroll onboarding include an employee's personal info, banking details for direct deposit, tax forms like the W-4 in the United States, and employment agreements. The outputs are that the employee is added to the payroll system, ensuring their paycheck arrives as scheduled, alongside any pay stubs or earnings statements they need.



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Doll hands hold tiles spelling
By Andy Scheu September 4, 2025
The recently introduced One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB Act) brings significant changes for businesses employing tipped workers. A key provision is the “no tax on tips” rule , which removes certain federal tax liabilities for qualified tips. However, not all employees or industries qualify, so it’s essential to understand how this impacts your workforce. To qualify: Tips must be received in an occupation that customarily and regularly received tips on or before December 31, 2024 . Certain fields— healthcare, athletics, and the performing arts —are specifically carved out and do not qualify. Employers must be able to identify if their employees fall into one of the designated Treasury Tipped Occupation Codes (TTOCs) . 📋 Full List of Eligible Tipped Occupations  Below is the complete preliminary list of occupations the Treasury and IRS have identified as customarily tipped roles. Each entry includes the TTOC code, occupation title, description, examples, and related SOC codes . This list is expected to form the basis of official IRS regulations. 🍽️ Beverage & Food Service 101 – Bartenders | Mix and serve drinks (barkeep, sommelier) | SOC 35-3011 102 – Wait Staff | Serve food & beverages to patrons (cocktail waitress) | SOC 35-3031 103 – Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | Serve outside restaurant (room service, beer cart) | SOC 35-3041 104 – Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendants/Bartender Helpers | Clean, reset, assist | SOC 35-9011 105 – Chefs & Cooks | Prepare/cook meals (chef, caterer, food truck cook) | SOC 35-1011, 35-2011, etc. 106 – Food Prep Workers | Prep cold foods, slice meats | SOC 35-1012, 35-2021 107 – Fast Food & Counter Workers | Serve at counters, may prep | SOC 35-3023 108 – Dishwashers | Clean dishes & equipment | SOC 35-9021 109 – Host Staff | Welcome/seat patrons (maître d’) | SOC 35-9031 110 – Bakers | Bake breads, pastries | SOC 51-3011 🎲 Entertainment & Events 201 – Gambling Dealers | Operate games of chance | SOC 39-3011 202 – Gambling Change Persons & Cashiers | Exchange money, tokens | SOC 41-2012 203 – Gambling Cage Workers | Handle casino financials | SOC 43-3041 204 – Gambling & Sports Book Writers/Runners | Take bets, operate keno/bingo | SOC 39-3012 205 – Dancers | Perform dances | SOC 27-2031 206 – Musicians & Singers | Play instruments, sing | SOC 27-2042 207 – DJs (Non-Radio) | Play music for live audiences | SOC 27-2091 208 – Entertainers/Performers | Comedians, magicians, clowns | SOC 27-2099 209 – Digital Content Creators | Streamers, influencers | SOC 27-2099 210 – Ushers/Ticket Takers | Assist patrons at events | SOC 39-3031 211 – Locker/Coatroom Attendants | Provide personal item service | SOC 39-3093 🏨 Hospitality & Guest Services 301 – Baggage Porters/Bellhops | Handle luggage | SOC 39-6011 302 – Concierges | Assist guests with services | SOC 39-6012 303 – Hotel/Resort Desk Clerks | Register, check in/out guests | SOC 43-4081 304 – Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners | Clean hotel rooms | SOC 37-2012 🏡 Home Services 401 – Home Maintenance/Repair Workers | Handyman, roofer, painter | SOC 49-9071 402 – Landscaping/Groundskeeping Workers | Lawn/garden maintenance | SOC 37-3011 403 – Home Electricians | Install/repair wiring | SOC 47-2111 404 – Home Plumbers | Install/repair pipes | SOC 47-2152 405 – HVAC Mechanics/Installers | Heating/AC repair | SOC 49-9021 406 – Appliance Installers/Repairers | Fix/install household appliances | SOC 49-9031 407 – Home Cleaning Workers | House/pool/carpet cleaners | SOC 37-2012 408 – Locksmiths | Keys, locks, safes | SOC 49-9094 409 – Roadside Assistance Workers | Tow truck, tire repair | SOC 49-3023, 53-3032 👤 Personal Services 501 – Personal Care & Service Workers | Aides, butlers, companions | SOC 31-1122 502 – Private Event Planners | Wedding/party planning | SOC 13-1121 503 – Private Event/Portrait Photographers | Wedding/headshot photography | SOC 27-4021 504 – Private Event Videographers | Record events | SOC 27-4031 505 – Event Officiants | Weddings/funerals officiants | SOC 21-2010 506 – Pet Caretakers | Groomers, walkers, sitters | SOC 39-2021 507 – Tutors | Academic tutoring | SOC 25-3041 508 – Nannies/Babysitters | Child care | SOC 39-9011 💇 Personal Appearance & Wellness 601 – Skincare Specialists | Facials, esthetics | SOC 39-5094 602 – Massage Therapists | Therapeutic massage | SOC 31-9011 603 – Barbers/Hairdressers/Cosmetologists | Hair & barber services | SOC 39-5011 604 – Shampooers | Shampoo/rinse hair | SOC 39-5093 605 – Manicurists/Pedicurists | Nail care | SOC 39-5092 606 – Eyebrow Technicians | Threading, waxing | SOC 39-5091 607 – Makeup Artists | Design/apply looks | SOC 39-9031 608 – Fitness Trainers/Instructors | Personal/group exercise | SOC 27-1019 609 – Tattoo Artists & Piercers | Tattoos, body piercing | SOC 51-6052 610 – Tailors | Garment fitting, repair | SOC 51-6041 611 – Shoe/Leather Workers & Repairers | Cobbler, shoe shiner | SOC 39-5012 🎓 Recreation & Instruction 701 – Golf Caddies | Assist golfers | SOC 39-3091 702 – Self-Enrichment Teachers | Piano, art, knitting instructors | SOC 25-3021 703 – Recreational/Tour Pilots | Helicopter/balloon tours | SOC 25-3021 704 – Tour Guides/Escorts | Sightseeing/museum guides | SOC 39-7011 705 – Travel Guides | Expeditions, cruises | SOC 39-7012 706 – Sports & Recreation Instructors | Ski, dive, surf instructors | SOC 53-2012 🚗 Transportation & Delivery 801 – Parking/Valet Attendants | Park/tend vehicles | SOC 53-6021 802 – Taxi/Rideshare Drivers & Chauffeurs | Transport passengers | SOC 53-3054 803 – Shuttle Drivers | Scheduled route drivers | SOC 53-3053 804 – Goods Delivery People | Deliver goods/packages | SOC 53-3031 805 – Vehicle & Equipment Cleaners | Car wash/detailers | SOC 53-7061 806 – Private/Charter Bus Drivers | Motor coach/tour bus | SOC 53-3052 807 – Water Taxi/Charter Boat Workers | Operate boats | SOC 53-5022 808 – Rickshaw/Pedicab/Carriage Drivers | Bike taxis, horse carriages | SOC 53-6099 809 – Home Movers | Furniture movers | SOC 53-7062 ✅ What Employers Should Do Now Review Employee Roles – Determine if any fall under the TTOC list. Adjust Payroll Processes – Coordinate with your payroll provider to ensure compliance with new tip tax rules. Stay Updated – Treasury/IRS will finalize regulations soon, and some occupations may be clarified or excluded. Educate Managers & Staff – Make sure supervisors understand how tips are treated under the new law. 🔗 Resources Official Treasury & IRS Guidance (forthcoming)
A wage and tax statement for 2025 is shown on a white background.
By Andy Scheu July 29, 2025
New Tax Breaks on Overtime and Tips: What Employers and Employees Need to Know A major shift in tax policy is here, and it could mean more money in the pockets of millions of American workers — especially those who rely on tips or regularly work overtime. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), signed into law on July 4, 2025, Congress introduced two key tax deductions: one for qualified tip income and another for overtime premium pay. These changes are designed to reward hard-working Americans and reduce the income tax burden on lower- and middle-income earners. But what does this mean in practice? Let’s break it down. No Tax on Tips: A Win for Service Industry Workers Under the new law, workers in tipped professions — such as servers, bartenders, hotel staff, and others — can now deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their federal taxable income each year. This deduction is retroactive to January 1, 2025 , and is set to remain in effect through the end of 2028. To qualify: The tips must be customary and reported to the employer . The worker must be in a recognized “tipping occupation,” such as those listed in prior IRS guidance. The deduction begins to phase out for individuals earning more than $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers). This means a server who reports $15,000 in tips could potentially deduct the full amount from their income when calculating their taxes — reducing taxable income and potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in federal taxes. This deduction does not apply to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Those payroll taxes are still assessed on total wages, including tips. No Tax on Overtime: Relief for Non-Exempt Employees The law also introduces a deduction of up to $12,500 per individual (or $25,000 for joint filers) for overtime premium pay. This refers specifically to the “time-and-a-half” portion paid for hours worked beyond 40 in a week under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It’s important to understand what qualifies: Only non-exempt employees (those entitled to overtime under the FLSA) can claim this deduction. The deduction applies only to the premium portion — that is, the extra 50% above regular hourly pay. High-income earners will see a phase-out starting at $150,000 (individuals) or $300,000 (joint filers). For example, if an hourly worker earned $20/hour and worked 10 hours of overtime in a week, the overtime premium ($10/hour × 10 hours = $100) would be eligible for the deduction — not the full $300 in overtime pay. If that worker consistently earned similar overtime throughout the year, they could reach or exceed the maximum deduction and realize significant federal tax savings . What This Means for Employers Although the new deductions apply to individual tax returns, employers will play a critical role in ensuring that both workers and the IRS have accurate records. Here are the key responsibilities employers now face: Payroll Reporting Enhancements Employers must update their payroll systems to separately track qualified tips and overtime premium pay . These amounts must now be clearly designated on year-end tax forms like the Form W-2 . Form and Recordkeeping Requirements Employers will need to include additional information on employee tax forms, including: A breakdown of earnings by type (regular, overtime premium, tips). Occupation codes that identify whether the employee is in a tipping role. System and Software Updates Payroll vendors and in-house systems must be adjusted to reflect the new codes. For 2025, a “reasonable method” grace period applies, but in future years, precision will be required. Classification Reviews Employers may need to re-evaluate FLSA classifications to ensure that workers are properly labeled as exempt or non-exempt. Improper classification could result in missed deductions or even penalties. Communication and Training HR and payroll teams should be trained on the new rules, and employers should proactively communicate with employees about the potential benefits and what information will be required at tax time. How Employees Benefit — and What They Need to Do These changes are being praised as a way to put more money into the hands of frontline workers, but the deductions don’t apply automatically. Employees need to take certain steps to ensure they receive the tax benefits they’re entitled to. Maintain Accurate Records Employees should keep good records of their reported tips and overtime hours . While much of this will be available on their W-2, they should verify it for accuracy. Understand Eligibility Limits High earners may not qualify, and the deductions only apply to properly classified pay. Employees paid “overtime” who are exempt under the FLSA may find their pay doesn’t count. Prepare for Tax Filing These deductions will likely appear as line items on Form 1040 or a new IRS schedule. Employees should consult a tax preparer or financial advisor, especially during the first year of implementation. Track Annual Caps Workers should be aware of the annual deduction limits and ensure they do not over-report. Overstating deductions could trigger audits or penalties. What This Means in Dollars According to preliminary estimates from tax experts: A tipped worker who earns $20,000 in tips could save between $1,800–$2,200 in federal income taxes, depending on their tax bracket. An hourly worker earning $8,000 in qualified overtime premium pay might reduce their federal taxes by around $800–$1,200 . For households that include both tipped and overtime-earning workers, the combined benefit could reach $4,000–$5,000 annually — a significant reduction in their federal tax liability. Final Thoughts This new legislation signals a clear shift in tax policy — one that rewards work done during evenings, weekends, and holidays, and recognizes the financial challenges of service industry workers. For businesses, it means adjusting payroll systems, refining classifications, and improving documentation . For employees, it means paying attention to how their income is reported and taking full advantage of available tax savings . Time & Pay is here to help employers navigate this transition. Our systems can be tailored to properly track and report eligible tip and overtime income, ensuring compliance and helping your employees take advantage of these new deductions. If you’re unsure whether your payroll processes are ready, now is the time to evaluate and prepare. Need help tracking qualified wages and ensuring accurate reporting? Contact Time & Pay today — we’ll help you get compliant and keep your employees informed.