Film Accounting Glossary
Payroll service fee
What is a payroll service fee?
Also called payroll fee, or handling fee.
A payroll service fee is what the payroll company charges for processing, quoted as a percentage of gross payroll or a per-check amount, plus charges for off-cycle runs, manual checks, and year-end filings.
It is a distinct budget line, not part of the fringe rate, and on a large crew it is a meaningful number. Comparing bids on the fee alone is misleading unless the workers' compensation rate bundled with it is compared too.
Example
A fee quoted as a percentage of gross payroll on $3.2M of wages is a five-figure line, plus charges for off-cycle runs, manual checks, and year-end filings. Comparing two bids on the fee alone is misleading unless the bundled workers' compensation rate is compared too.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Its own budget line, separate from the fringe rate. Negotiated with the payroll company alongside the workers' compensation rate.
Common mistake
Comparing bids on the headline percentage alone. The bundled workers' compensation rate and the charges for off-cycle runs and year-end filings often matter more.
Related questions
- How is a payroll service fee charged?
- As a percentage of gross payroll or a per-check amount, plus separate charges for off-cycle runs, manual checks, and year-end filings.
- Is the payroll fee part of the fringe rate?
- No. It is a distinct budget line, and on a large crew it is a meaningful number in its own right.