No Tax on Tips: What Is Known and What Do We Still Need to Know?
A provision in the new tax law offers employees no tax on tips, so Gene Marks level sets what guidance has been provided — proposed job eligibility, the deduction limit, what taxes still must be deducted — and points to other information employers and employees will require. Gene says that employees need to be aware this is a deduction to be taken at tax filing time, that employers should be aware that state tip credit is not impacted, and they should help educate employees on the new W-2 forms that will be required in 2026. Listen to the podcast.
Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex
Learn more about no taxes on tips and overtime: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips
See what jobs are eligible for no tax on tips: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-eligible-jobs
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
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6:40
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6:40
Wharton Economist Dr. Corinne Low: What Women Want in the Workplace
Think you know what female employees want? Think again! Wharton economist Dr. Corinne Low joins Gene Marks to shatter conventional wisdom with surprising research from her new book Having It All. Dr. Low shares why today’s mothers spend twice as much time with their children as previous generations and how this shift is reshaping workplace needs in unexpected ways. The biggest surprise? Women don’t actually want flexibility — they crave predictability. From debunking the “lean in” myth to exposing the hidden costs of burnout, this episode delivers data-driven strategies that will transform how you think about supporting your female workforce. Tune in and turn research into your competitive advantage.
Spending too much time on HR tasks? Discover how the right support can give you hours back in your week at https://bit.ly/meet-paychex
Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics
Topics include:
00:00 – Episode preview and introduction
03:50 – Dr. Low’s background and research
05:28 – Overview of Dr. Low’s new book
07:31 – Why modern motherhood feels harder
09:09 – Debunking the flexibility myth
12:32 – Predictibility vs. flexibility
14:19 – Gender differences in workplace needs
15:17 – Understanding “The Squeeze” period
22:01 – The childcare cost crisis
25:28 – The lifecycle investment approach
30:40 – Wrap up and thank you
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
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31:21
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31:21
Inflation Indicators, SBA Loans, Worker Safety, Pet Impact
The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the “Big I” isn’t the huge threat everyone thinks it is. He looks at potential interest cuts as a possible result, which might help businesses. Also, a boon or manufacturing businesses is a new SBA loan program with less red tape and an 85% guarantee by the agency. Safety training programs are getting better funded, which is great news for workers and employers who want to avoid OSHA penalties. And talk about “safety net” but 67% of pet owners would switch jobs if they had to give up remote work and staying with their pets.
Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
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10:38
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10:38
Jobs Update, Employees Seek Financial Guidance, Teaching Entrepreneurship
The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch reports job numbers remain flat, while national hourly earnings stay below 3% growth for a 10th straight month. Gene Marks points to a continued slow down, citing the paltry 22,000 jobs reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a national unemployment rate at 4.3%. However, Gene says this creates opportunity for small businesses to snap up top talent. Also, a survey notes that more than one-quarter of participating employees are seeking financial resources from employers, a perfect time for employers to offer added value. And can entrepreneurship be taught? Gene has some thoughts on to what degree this is possible.
Additional resources
Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
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9:29
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9:29
Employer IQ: How to Find Your HR Blind Spots with this Free Tool
Is your business secretly driving away top talent? This episode of THRIVE will tell you how to find out. Join host Gene Marks as he sits down with Paychex HR experts Alison Stevens and Michael Majors to chat about Employer IQ — a game-changing diagnostic tool that reveals exactly where your HR practices are helping or hurting your business. Discover the most common blind spots, learn exactly when it’s time to hire your first HR person, and find out how this simple assessment can transform your business from a revolving door into a talent magnet.
Ready to find out your Employer IQ? Visit: https://bit.ly/3IedlUq
Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics
Topics include:
00:00 – Episode preview and welcome
01:11 – Employer IQ overview
04:34 – Motivation behind Employer IQ
06:25 – How to use the platform
09:42 – Roll-out strategy
12:19 – Usage scenarios and benefits
14:45 – Future vision for platform
17:23 – Employee input and industry verticals
18:55 – How to access Employer IQ
19:58 – Wrap up and thank you
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.
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