Business equity is the residual value of a company after subtracting all liabilities from its total assets. It represents the ownership interest that business owners or shareholders have in the company. Equity can grow through retained earnings or investments and is a key indicator of financial health and long-term value.
A Broker of Record (BOR) is an insurance professional or firm officially appointed by a client to represent them in dealings with insurance companies. The BOR manages policies, negotiates terms, and ensures the client gets proper coverage and service. Clients designate a BOR through a formal letter, which transfers responsibility from a previous broker to the new one.
The Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) method is a performance appraisal system that measures employee performance against specific behavior examples. Instead of relying only on numbers or general feedback, it assigns ratings based on observable actions tied to job
A bank payment file is an electronic document that contains payment instructions a business submits to its bank. It typically includes details like account numbers, payment amounts, and transaction dates for multiple recipients. Companies use payment files to streamline bulk transactions such as payroll, vendor payments, or reimbursements, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
An Attachment of Earnings Order (AEO) is a legal instruction issued by a court that requires an employer to deduct money directly from an employee’s wages. The deducted amount is sent to the court or creditor to repay debts such as unpaid loans, fines, or child support. This system ensures consistent debt repayment while allowing employees to keep part of their earnings.
An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company where the individual makes a lump sum or series of payments in exchange for guaranteed income in the future. It is commonly used as a retirement tool to provide steady cash flow over a set period or for life. Annuities can be fixed, variable, or indexed, depending on how returns are calculated.
AI billing refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools to manage and automate billing processes. It can generate invoices, process payments, detect errors, and even predict late payments using data patterns. By reducing manual work and improving accuracy, AI billing helps businesses save time, lower costs, and enhance customer experience.
An account number is a unique series of digits that identifies a customer’s specific bank account. It ensures that money is correctly deposited or withdrawn during transactions like payroll, transfers, or bill payments. Along with a routing or sort code, the account number helps financial institutions process payments securely and accurately.
The difference between Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-MISC lies in the type of income reported. Form 1099-NEC is used for payments of $600 or more to freelancers, contractors, and gig workers. Form 1099-MISC, on the other hand, reports miscellaneous payments such as rent, royalties, prizes, or legal settlements. Both ensure the IRS tracks taxable income outside traditional wages.
Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) is used by businesses to report payments made to freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors. Introduced in 2020, it replaced Form 1099-MISC for reporting nonemployee compensation of $600 or more. This form helps the IRS track taxable income for self-employed workers and ensures businesses meet reporting obligations.
180-degree feedback is a performance appraisal system where an employee is evaluated by their manager, peers, and sometimes direct reports. Unlike 360-degree feedback, it does not include self-assessment or external stakeholder input. This method helps identify strengths and areas for improvement from immediate workplace relationships.
Form W-4, officially called the Employee’s Withholding Certificate, is completed by U.S. employees to inform their employer of the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold. It takes into account filing status, dependents, and other income adjustments. Submitting an accurate W-4 helps employees avoid underpayment or overpayment of taxes during the year.
Virtual Stock Option Plans (VSOPs) are employee incentive programs that mimic real stock options but do not involve transferring actual company shares. Instead, employees receive cash payouts equal to the value increase of the company’s stock over time. VSOPs are popular in startups and private companies because they motivate employees with equity-like benefits while avoiding ownership dilution.
The Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) is the maximum weekly or annual pay level up to which employees in the UK pay the standard National Insurance (NI) contribution rate. Earnings above this limit are charged at a lower NI rate, reducing the total contribution burden on higher incomes. The UEL is reviewed and set by the government each tax year.
Taxable wages are the part of an employee’s earnings that must be reported to tax authorities and used to calculate tax withholdings. They include salary, overtime, bonuses, and certain allowances, while some benefits or reimbursements may be excluded. Employers use taxable wages to determine how much federal, state, and local tax to withhold from paychecks.
Take-home pay, also called net pay, is the actual amount an employee receives in their paycheck after all mandatory and voluntary deductions are subtracted from gross salary. These deductions can include income tax, social security, health insurance, and retirement savings. It represents the spendable income employees can use for personal expenses and savings.
Supplemental pay is any additional income employees receive on top of their regular wages. Common examples include bonuses, overtime, commissions, severance, and shift differentials. Employers often process supplemental pay separately in payroll, sometimes with different tax withholding rules than standard salary.
Statutory redundancy pay is the minimum compensation employers must provide to eligible employees who lose their jobs due to redundancy. The amount is usually calculated based on age, length of service, and weekly pay, subject to government-set limits. It ensures financial support for workers while they transition to new employment opportunities.
State income tax is a tax that U.S. states may impose on the income individuals and sometimes businesses earn within their jurisdiction. The amount and structure vary—some states charge flat rates, others use progressive brackets, and a few have no state income tax at all. These taxes fund public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The standard deduction is a set dollar amount that taxpayers can subtract from their income before calculating federal income tax. It simplifies filing since individuals don’t need to itemize expenses like medical costs or donations. The deduction amount varies by filing status (single, married, head of household) and is adjusted annually for inflation.