Payroll

Change does not always come at a convenient time. The main benefit of switching is to have your payroll in good hands as soon as possible before anything falls through the cracks — such as labor hours, which are at peak during your busy season. With your permission, we can contact your current provider for year-to-date data. In addition, we provide services right at your place of business, which makes the transition easier for you and requires less of your time.

It’s important to evaluate how well you (or your processing service) keep up with agricultural payroll rules and regulations. To find out, one of our ag payroll experts can review your needs and existing services and make a recommendation. We find that many of our customers prefer to focus on the day-to-day operations of running their agricultural businesses. Others are frustrated trying to keep up with ever-changing payroll rules, regulations and forms as well as demanding deadlines. Assuring trouble-free payroll while moving this responsibility off your plate may best be accomplished using payroll specialists who work exclusively with agricultural businesses, as ours do.

Another advantage: Our coordinated team of farm business experts can help to make the preparation of your financial records, income taxes and payroll more efficient.

At Farm Credit East, all payroll specialists take courses on agricultural payroll and must pass a test before they can provide this service to customers.

Yes, you do. We have a per-pay-period base charge and a per-check (transaction) charge. With a biweekly pay period, you have half the number of checks and pay periods. Certain state labor laws require waiver approval for paying other than weekly. We are happy to assist you with this process if you do not have the required approval.

Please note: H-2A labor may have weekly filing requirements, which we would confirm with your applicable liaison/state agency. Quarterly and annual filings remain the same.

We provide the reports needed for worker’s compensation audits. We can also customize your payroll setup and reports to match your audit classifications, which can help make your audit process fast and accurate.

We assign a processing day for you based on your needs and process your payroll the same day that we receive your information. We send your payroll package, including paychecks, to you or, if you prefer, you can pick up your employee paychecks at your local Farm Credit East office.

Please note: Direct deposit of employee pay does require an additional business day.

We customize our payroll service according to what each customer would like and what’s best for each business. For example, we can make direct deposits and automatically debit your bank account for all payroll taxes. We also offer the option for you to print paychecks at your operation. Or, if you prefer, we will provide you with the payroll stubs, and you can write the checks.

Not at all. Your employees can choose to receive their pay through direct deposit or by check, within the same payroll. In fact, your employees can have multiple direct deposit accounts (up to three) or check and direct deposit to savings.

Absolutely. We comply with electronic tax payment requirements for the IRS as well as your state(s). And if you prefer to remit your payment by check, we will print liability checks for any requirements that do not need electronic payment. We also assist with payroll deduction payments, such as retirement plan payments, employee tax levies, etc.

You must be comfortable with technology as all payroll data is submitted electronically to ensure security and timeliness of your payroll processing. Information can be submitted through our Payroll Relief portal or via Farm Credit Connect. You also submit required payroll information for each new employee along with wage or deduction changes. Good communication with your personal payroll specialist creates a smooth, timely process.

We keep specific instructions for each and every customer with their records just for such occasions so another payroll specialist will be ready to help. In fact, we have backup for every Farm Credit East payroll specialist with established protocols for ensuring that all client payrolls are delivered on time, whether it’s a hot, hazy Friday afternoon in July or the day before Christmas.