Summit Payroll

05/07/2026

Whoa, a new CPA firm is moving in, I hope they are cool
Justin Freeman

05/05/2026

Payroll Tip of the Week

If it looks like a W‑2 employee, acts like a W‑2 employee, and works like a W‑2 employee…

👉 Treat them as a W‑2 employee.

Misclassification can be costly!

Send a message to learn more

04/06/2026

What do teeth and payroll have in common? Both require precision, trust, and experts you can count on.

Summit Payroll is proud to announce that we’ve reached our 200th active customer— Dental Specialists PA. A premier dental office specializing in endodontics and pediatric dentistry, Brewer Dental Specialists represents an exciting milestone for our growing company.

Reaching this achievement within just 15 months of operation is a testament to the trust our clients place in Summit Payroll and the momentum we continue to build.

01/21/2026

When you search Payroll Services on Google, you’ll find no shortage of options. Many of them are inexpensive, fully online, and promise to make payroll quick and easy. You’ve probably seen the TV commercials too.

What those ads don’t tell you is what happens behind the scenes.

Each state has its own payroll rules, tax requirements, and registration processes. Before payroll can be handled correctly, a business must be properly set up with the correct federal and state tax IDs—and those IDs must be accurately connected to the payroll system you’re using.

Here’s the scary part: many online-only payroll providers will let you start paying employees immediately, even if those state accounts and tax IDs aren’t fully set up. Everything looks fine—until months or even a year later, when you discover that payroll taxes weren’t filed or paid correctly. By then, the penalties, notices, and back taxes can be overwhelming.

That’s where Summit Payroll is different.

We work closely with our clients to ensure every required tax ID is properly established from the start. We don’t just run payroll—we help make sure your payroll is set up correctly, compliant with state and federal requirements, and handled the right way so there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.

With Summit Payroll, you don’t just get convenience—you get confidence.

Send a message to learn more

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉

Here's to 2026—a year of growth, success, and smooth payroll processing for your business!

Thank you for trusting Summit Payroll Services as your payroll partner. We're excited to continue supporting Maine's small business community in the year ahead.

Wishing you and your team a prosperous New Year!

11/12/2025

🌲 Supporting Maine's Small Business Community

At Summit Payroll Services, we're proud to serve small businesses right here in Maine. We understand the unique challenges you face - from seasonal employment fluctuations to navigating state-specific regulations.

Our mission is simple: Take payroll off your plate so you can focus on what you do best - running and growing your business.

Whether you're a restaurant in Portland, a retail shop on the coast, or a service business anywhere in Maine, we provide the same personalized attention and expertise to every client.

🗓️ Considering a Fresh Start for 2026?

Switching payroll providers is easiest at the beginning of a new year. By starting the conversation now, we can plan a seamless January 2026 conversion that sets you up for success.

No disruption. No stress. Just better payroll service from day one.

One client at a time, we're helping Maine businesses thrive.

📞 Ready to make 2026 your best year yet? Let's talk about your payroll needs.

10/29/2025

⚠️ 5 Payroll Mistakes Maine Small Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Running payroll seems straightforward - until it isn't. Here are the most common mistakes we see:

1️⃣ Misclassifying employees (W-2 vs. 1099)
2️⃣ Missing tax filing deadlines
3️⃣ Incorrectly calculating overtime pay
4️⃣ Poor recordkeeping for hours and absences
5️⃣ Forgetting Maine's final paycheck requirements

Each of these can lead to penalties, back taxes, and headaches you don't need.

The good news? These are all preventable with the right payroll partner.

💡 Planning ahead for 2026? Now is the ideal time to switch payroll providers. A January 1st conversion means starting the new year fresh with accurate, compliant payroll from day one.

We handle the details so you don't have to worry about costly mistakes.

📞 Let's discuss your January 2026 transition - contact us for a free consultation.

10/15/2025

🎯 Why Maine Businesses Choose Local Payroll Support

When you work with Summit Payroll Services, you're not just getting payroll processing - you're getting a partner who understands your business.

Here's what sets us apart:
✓ Personalized Consultation - We design solutions based on YOUR needs
✓ Local Service - Real people, right here in Maine
✓ Comprehensive Support - Payroll, tax compliance, and accounting all in one place
✓ Small Business Focus - We specialize in businesses with 1-50 employees

Thinking about making a change? The easiest time to switch payroll providers is at the start of a new year. Now is the perfect time to discuss a January 2026 conversion - giving us plenty of time to ensure a smooth, seamless transition.

Let's talk about how we can simplify your payroll and give you back valuable time.

📞 Contact us today to start planning your January switch.

10/01/2025

📋 Navigating Maine Payroll Compliance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

As a Maine business owner, staying on top of payroll tax requirements can feel overwhelming. Between state and federal filings, wage and hour laws, and quarterly deadlines, it's easy to miss a step.

That's where we come in. Summit Payroll Services handles:
✓ State & Federal Tax Filings
✓ Wage & Hour Compliance
✓ New Hire Reporting
✓ Quarterly Filings & Year-End Processing

Local service. Personal attention. Peace of mind.

Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on growing your business.

📞 Ready to simplify your payroll? Contact us for a free consultation.

09/23/2025

As always, the rules are changing! See Below

Maine's Earned Paid Leave (EPL) law was amended, effective September 24, 2025, to remove the previous restriction that limited annual accrual based on carried-over hours, allowing employees to accrue up to a new maximum of 80 hours in a single year. Employees can still only use a maximum of 40 hours of leave per year. The changes also align with the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which is funded by employer and employee contributions and will go live in 2026.

08/06/2025

Prepare yourself for Maine's New "Report to Work" Law

Starting September 24, 2025, Maine will implement the “Report to Work” law, aimed at protecting employees whose shifts are unexpectedly shortened or canceled. Under this law, employers must compensate workers who report to work but are sent home early. The required payment is either two hours at the employee’s regular hourly rate or the amount they would have earned for the scheduled shift—whichever is less. For tipped employees, the full minimum wage ($14.65 in 2025) must be used for this calculation, not the lower tipped wage.

The law applies to businesses with at least 10 employees operating more than 120 days annually. Seasonal businesses and public sector employees under collective bargaining agreements are exempt. Exceptions include cancellations due to weather, emergencies, or the employee’s illness. If employers make a documented good-faith effort to notify employees of a canceled shift and the employee still shows up, the employer may not be liable for the payment.

This legislation aims to reduce wage loss for workers and encourage fair scheduling practices. Maine businesses affected by the law should prepare by updating policies and ensuring compliance to avoid penalties.