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Payroll or Remuneration

Once classification assignments have been made, payroll data is reported to the WCIRB based on these assignments. One of the primary components of the rate that an employer pays for its workers' compensation insurance policy is determined by the classification code(s) to which that payroll is assigned. Also, the items that constitute payroll when determining the basis of workers' compensation insurance premium are quite specific. Detailed information about what constitutes payroll, often referred to as remuneration, can be found in the Filings and Plans section.

When determining the basis of premium, the following are included as payroll:

  • Gross wages
  • Salaries
  • Commissions
  • All bonuses
  • Most profit sharing
  • Vacation, holiday and sick pay
  • Overtime ("straight time" portion only)
  • The market value of gifts
  • Automobile allowances (less reimbursement for documented expenses)

The following items are excluded from payroll when determining the basis of premium:

  • Meals or lodging (unless the classification phraseology specifically includes them or they are provided in lieu of wages)
  • Tips
  • Premium portion of overtime pay (the increase above the regular rate of pay)
  • Severance pay (except for accrued vacation, sick pay, commissions and bonuses)
  • Employer contributions to qualified insurance, stock or retirement plans
  • Stock options
  • The value of an automobile furnished to an employee 

In addition, the following are not included as payroll for premium computation:

  • Employee discounts for merchandise
  • Residual payments for commercials
  • A uniform allowance

Note:
Payroll for workers' compensation insurance purposes is not necessarily the same as the Internal Revenue Service definition of payroll.

We welcome your feedback on this guide. Please send comments and suggestions to [email protected].