Fundamental Payroll Core Payroll Concepts Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee works 45 hours in a single workweek. The employee's regular rate of pay is $20 per hour. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), what is the minimum gross pay this employee must receive for the week?

Accepted Answer

$950

Answer

The FLSA requires that non-exempt employees be paid overtime at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The calculation is: (40 hours * $20/hour) + (5 hours * $20/hour * 1.5) = $800 + $150 = $950.

Question 2

Which of the following factors is most critical in determining whether a worker is classified as an employee versus an independent contractor?

Accepted Answer

The degree of control and independence in the work relationship

Answer

The primary determinant of worker status is the degree of control the business has over the worker. If the business has the right to control what the worker does and how the job is done, the worker is generally considered an employee.

Question 3

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) recordkeeping requirements, for how long must an employer retain an employee's payroll records?

Accepted Answer

Three years

Answer

The FLSA requires employers to preserve payroll records, collective bargaining agreements, sales, and purchase records for at least three years. Records on which wage computations are based, such as time cards, should be retained for two years.

Question 4

An employee has gross earnings of $2,000 for a pay period. They contribute $100 to a pre-tax 401(k) plan and have a $50 pre-tax deduction for health insurance. What are the employee's taxable wages for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes?

Accepted Answer

$1,850

Answer

FICA taxable wages are calculated by subtracting qualifying pre-tax deductions from gross pay. Both 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums are typically exempt from FICA taxes. Therefore, the calculation is $2,000 (Gross) - $100 (401k) - $50 (Health Insurance) = $1,850.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of an employee completing IRS Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate?

Accepted Answer

To allow the employer to determine the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold.

Answer

Form W-4 provides the employer with the employee's filing status, number of dependents, and other adjustments needed to calculate the proper amount of federal income tax to withhold from their pay.

Fundamental Payroll Certification Practice Test

Fundamental Payroll Certification Practice Test

Fundamental Payroll Core Payroll Concepts Questions and Answers