Question:

Jesus dude, just ask the payroll company. Also, you will probably need an accountant to do your tax returns. They can answer that question too if not even doing it for you. You can also ask your local SBA (Small Business Administration) office. Find you local office at SBA dot Gov. Actually, if you are this much in the dark, I'd recommend making contact with all three.

Preciate it.

Yeah Im callin the payroll company on Monday, just thought I would see if bros here have a tip.

Yeah, so they need to fill out 2 federal forms ... not sure if they need anything more than that in Georgia, but probably not.
The w-4 as previously mentioned, but also the I-9 form, which is to prove they are a legal citizen and can work in the US. You'll need copies of their identification as laid out on the I9 form, and then take all that shit to a payroll company or your accountant if he's doing your payroll.

But seriously, you need to have an employee manual and have them sign it. Without it you really can't fire anyone for anything. Essentially you're saying your company has no rules without it.

Also, no verbal warnings. Everything in writing. FUCKING EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

>But seriously, you need to have an employee manual and have them sign it. Without it you really can't fire anyone for anything. Essentially you're saying your company has no rules without it.

More important for large companies. Most states are at-will (except Montana). OP does not need to give a reason for terminating and generally shouldn't as it only gives them fodder for trying to get back at them.

I guess I should clarify. If you fire someone and don't want to get fucked on paying unemployment for them, then you need a employee manual / handbook. Look into your state laws on firing for drug abuse, some states need specific documentation for that.

>But seriously, you need to have an employee manual and have them sign it. Without it you really can't fire anyone for anything. Essentially you're saying your company has no rules without it.
You're a complete moron. At-will employment is a thing in the vast majority of states. You can be fired for any reason, no reason, or even a false reason. It's all completely legal just as long as it doesn't violate the civil rights act.

As far as paying unemployment goes, that's another moot point since it's paid for by taxes already collected when the employee was working.

Stop showing how little you know about labor law.

I am aware of at-will employment, and that is not the point I was trying to make.

That's not how unemployment works in my state. I have an account at the state that is funded on a percentage of the payroll that I pay. To start out, that percentage is high (depends on industry) until my account is fully funded and then it drops to about .5%

Currently my account at the state has about $60,000 in it. If one of my employees goes on unemployment, their checks come directly out of that account. I fight unemployment on a weekly basis as my business has a high turn-over rate for a certain position we have.

There are many other reasons why you should have an employee handbook besides firing.

thx bro, I appreciate it, and yes I have prepared an employment contract for them that they have to sign.

Fuckin HR hippies and the environment they have created!

I wouldn't concern myself with unemployment comp. if you axe someone who only worked a few weeks, your percentage of their unemployment is minimal. Their prior employer(s) from the previous 12 months are going to take the hit.

Also, i wouldn't bother with an employment contract. It sets a bad tone with your employee and they are hard/expensive to inforce.