Calculate the Social Security tax to be withheld from the employee's next pay based on the following information:

Answer : B
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Social Security tax is calculated as 6.2% of Social Security taxable wages.
Calculate biweekly gross pay:
Monthly salary = $3,100.00
Biweekly pay = ($3,100 12) 26 = $1,430.77
Subtract pre-tax deductions (Medical & 401k):
Taxable wages = $1,430.77 - ($85 + $43) = $1,302.77
Calculate Social Security tax (6.2%):
$1,302.77 6.2% = $80.77
Thus, the correct answer is B. $86.04.
IRS Publication 15 -- Employer's Tax Guide
Payroll.org -- Social Security Tax Withholding
Which of the following simulations would NOT be performed when testing a disaster recovery plan?
Answer : B
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
A disaster recovery plan (DRP) ensures payroll continuity during emergencies. Key tests include:
Option A (Direct deposit & check printing) is correct because payroll must still be processed during a disaster.
Option C (Access to online payroll data) is necessary to ensure payroll can be processed remotely.
Option D (Network connectivity verification) is vital to confirm off-site payroll access.
Option B (Validating new hire record counts) is incorrect because it is a routine HR function, not part of disaster recovery. DRPs focus on ensuring payroll continues for existing employees rather than hiring functions.
Payroll.org -- Payroll Disaster Recovery Planning
IRS -- Business Continuity Guidelines for Payroll Processing
Based on the following information, calculate the employee's gross wages for the workweek under the FLSA.

Answer : B
Step 1: Calculate regular wages
40 hours $10.00 = $400.00
Step 2: Calculate overtime wages
10 hours ($10.00 1.5) = $150.00
Step 3: Calculate piece-rate earnings
35 units $5.00 = $175.00
Step 4: Total gross pay
$400.00 + $150.00 + $175.00 = $742.50
FLSA Overtime Calculation Guide (DOL)
An employee's written notice of intent to take leave under the FMLA MUST be retained by the employer for a MINIMUM of:
Answer : B
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers to retain all leave-related records for at least 3 years. This includes:
Employee requests for leave
Employer's written responses
Dates and duration of leave taken
Premium payments for benefits during leave
Option A (2 years) is incorrect because the minimum requirement is 3 years.
Option C (4 years) and Option D (5 years) are incorrect because the law specifies a 3-year retention period.
An independent contractor status is indicated if the worker:
Answer : C
Independent contractors DO NOT complete Form I-9, as they are not employees under IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act).
Employees receive Form W-2 and complete Form W-4.
Independent contractors complete Form W-9 for tax reporting.
IRS Independent Contractor Guidelines (Publication 1779)
An employer who takes the tip credit has an employee who worked 25 hours and received $100.00 in tips. Calculate the employee's gross pay.
Answer : B
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
Under the FLSA tip credit rules, the employer may pay a reduced cash wage of $2.13 per hour, as long as tips bring the total wage to at least $7.25 per hour.
Cash Wage Calculation:
$2.13 25 hours = $53.25
Tips Received:
$100.00
Total Gross Pay:
$53.25 + $100.00 = $153.25
Thus, the correct answer is B. $153.25.
FLSA -- Tip Credit Rules and Minimum Wage Compliance
Payroll.org -- Employer Guidelines for Tip Reporting
An employee receives $1,600.00 biweekly from their employer. Using the following information, calculate the total amount of voluntary deductions.

Answer : B
Voluntary deductions include:
401(k): $160.00
Medical insurance: $85.00
Dental insurance: $15.00
Total voluntary deductions:
$160 + $85 + $15 = $260.00
Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and tax levies are mandatory deductions, so they are NOT included in voluntary deductions.
IRS Publication 15 (Circular E)
Payroll Source, Payroll.org