SEPA Quarterly Chapter Meeting
September 16, 2026, 6:30 PM, EST
Where: Virtually Online
Deadline to Register: September 11th.
Cost: $15.00 for members and $35.00 for non-members
This will be a Virtual Meeting
SEPA Presents:
Payroll Compliance – What Is It?
Presentation by: Martha Baxter VP of Payroll Empower Services
Summary:
Payroll compliance is the act of ensuring that businesses adhere to all legal regulations surrounding the processing of payroll and filing of all related payroll taxes. These regulations range from local all the way to Federal. Can it be overwhelming? Yes, and our best defense is to understand our roles within the organization to ensure compliance. It seems that compliance has slipped into all functions within our department. Depending on the size of your organization this could be quite comprehensive.
The paycheck emerged in about the 1870s in the United States and it wasn't until 1943, where we saw our first government legislation on the requirement to withhold taxes from payroll checks and the submission to remit them quarterly. This is known as the Compliance "born on date". As we walk through many phases of compliance, we will discover the importance it plays to businesses and its impact on the payroll department.
Through this class we will discuss:
- What is Payroll Compliance?
- The basics of payroll compliance and why it's important
- Common mishaps and mistakes
- Best practices and key requirements
- Creating a compliance calendar
While we have emerged from the prehistoric payroll ages, we will continue to see an ever-changing landscape in payroll compliance.
Martha serves her company (Empower Services) as the VP of Payroll. She is a passionate payroll professional who is celebrating a milestone of 50 years in payroll. She has experience in directing, managing, and implementing payroll processes. Skilled in project management, system implementations, and upgrades, while ensuring training and development of the payroll team. Highly recognized for her analytical skills and high-level HRIS acumen for company leadership. Continually committed to process improvements and staff development.
Martha has been awarded many honors over her career. The highlights are:
- 2016 Texas Payroll Professional of the Year
- 2020 Dallas Chapter Payroll Professional of the Year
- 2013 President Dallas Chapter APA
- 2018 Awarded the Educational Grant by PayrollOrg (Formally APA)
She has served on both the Dallas Chapter Board of Directors and currently is serving on the Lone Star Chapter Board of Directors. She was a previous BOA from PayrollOrg (Formally APA). She serves on several committees with PayrollOrg.
She has been a speaker at the local, state and national level. She holds her Lean Six Sigma Certification in Health Care.
This meeting will use a ZOOM Platform for the presentation. Closer to the meeting date, a link will be provided for attending the meeting virtually.
November Meeting and Elections
The November meeting will be held in person at the Blue Bell Country Club on November 11th and offers a chance to network with chapter members. We are currently reviewing options for a speaker. More information will be provided as soon as possible. Elections for the roles of President and Treasurer will take place during the November meeting. Individuals interested in serving on the board and contributing to the direction of future meetings are encouraged to submit nominations, either for themselves or for fellow chapter members. Please note that eligibility for chapter officer positions requires national membership in PAYO. The continued growth and development of our chapter is driven by collaboration and the introduction of new perspectives. Nominations for officer positions should be sent via email to president@sepaapa.org.
If you want to get involved but aren't ready for an officer role, consider joining a chapter committee.
