Washington State
Where Real Estate Companies Most Often Mess Payroll Up
Now that tax season has wrapped, most real estate firms shift from reporting to planning (especially brokerages like Windermere Real Estate, RE/MAX, Keller Williams Realty, Coldwell Banker Realty, John L. Scott Real Estate). Payroll is one of the biggest areas where mistakes quietly compound, especially in Washington and Seattle. Many Brokerages Treat Agents As Independent…
Read MoreOvertime + Tips: A Washington-Specific Pressure Point
In Washington, tips generally do not count toward the regular rate of pay for overtime, but wages absolutely do. That means payroll systems must cleanly separate: Straight wages Overtime wages Tip income Service charges (which are not tips) When employees work multiple roles — especially common in Bellevue venues with bar, dining, and event service…
Read MoreService Charges vs. Tips: A Frequent Seattle/Bellevue Issue
Service charges are not tips under Washington law. They are considered employer revenue unless explicitly designated otherwise, and they: Must be reported differently May count toward regular wages Can affect overtime calculations Payroll systems that lump service charges and tips together create serious compliance exposure. Employees often assume service charges are tips, and if payroll…
Read MoreSeattle Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Policy Template for a Business
This policy ensures compliance with Seattle’s PSST law and clearly communicates employees’ rights and procedures. Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Policy [Your Business Name] Effective Date: [Insert Date] 1. Purpose [Your Business Name] is committed to providing employees with paid leave to care for their health and safety needs, as required by Seattle’s Paid…
Read MoreSeattle Minimum Wage and Employee Compensation Requirements
Seattle has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, and its wage laws continue to evolve. Business owners must comply with minimum wage regulations to ensure fair employee compensation and avoid penalties. This blog post will outline the current minimum wage rates, their impact on businesses, and best practices for compliance. Seattle Minimum…
Read MorePaid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Compliance for Seattle Businesses
Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) law ensures that employees have access to paid leave for illness, medical appointments, and safety-related concerns. This blog post will explore PSST requirements, employer obligations, and best practices for compliance. PSST Requirements Employees accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked. The number…
Read MoreSeattle Categorizes Businesses By # Of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees
Seattle categorizes businesses into three tiers based on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees: Tier 1: Small Employers (1-49 FTEs) Accrual Rate: Employees earn 1 hour of PSST for every 40 hours worked. Usage Cap: No specific annual cap on use. Carryover: Employees can carry over up to 40 hours of unused PSST to…
Read MoreUnderstanding Washington State Payroll Taxes
Running a business in Washington State means understanding and complying with various payroll tax obligations. In addition to federal taxes, business owners must account for Washington-specific payroll taxes such as Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), the WA Cares Fund, State Unemployment Insurance (SUI), and Workers’ Compensation through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).…
Read MoreWhat State Specific Payroll Laws Are There for Washington State
Washington State enforces specific payroll laws to ensure fair compensation and protect workers’ rights. Key regulations include: 1. Minimum Wage State Minimum Wage: As of January 1, 2024, Washington’s minimum wage is $16.28 per hour. (Washington Labor & Industries) Youth Wage: Employees aged 14 or 15 may be paid 85% of the state minimum wage,…
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