10 Common Payroll mistakes businesses make
during the payroll process
09/07/2025
While emoluments processing may seem like a routine administrative task, it’s one of the most error-prone processes in HR management. Minor payroll mistakes can lead to serious consequences such as legal violations, loss of employee trust, and damage to the company’s employer brand. So, what are the most common payroll errors? How can businesses avoid them? And how can a professional payroll service like NIC Global support you? Let’s explore.
I. Why Emoluments Errors Are a Serious Issue
- Employee Morale & Retention: Incorrect payments signal disrespect to employees, resulting in demotivation and even resignation.
- Legal Compliance Risks: According to Vietnam’s Labor Code, companies must pay wages in full and on time. Even unintentional errors can lead to fines or lawsuits.
- Employer Branding Impact: Employers known for inaccurate or unclear payroll practices find it difficult to attract and retain talent.
II. 10 Most Common Payroll Mistakes in Business
1. Failing to Stay Updated on Labor Laws
Ignoring updates on regional minimum wages, social insurance rates, or personal income tax deductions can lead to incorrect emoluments calculations and legal risks.
Solution: Use payroll software or a service provider that automatically integrates legal updates.
2. Inaccurate Timekeeping
Errors in attendance tracking, leave requests, or overtime approvals can distort emoluments.
Solution: Integrate time tracking with payroll systems and use biometric solutions for accuracy.
3. Miscalculating Overtime Pay
Misapplying overtime rates for weekdays, weekends, and holidays, or failing to differentiate between day and night shifts.
Solution: Use automation tools and verify all overtime entries before payroll cut-off.
4. Incorrect Personal Income Tax (PIT) Deductions
Common errors include wrong tax brackets, outdated dependent information, or missing documentation for deductions.
Solution: Maintain accurate records, automate tax calculations, and consult with tax professionals.
5. Lack of Transparency in Payslips
Employees distrust emoluments when payslips don’t clearly show components like bonuses, allowances, or deductions.
Solution: Provide detailed and transparent payslips regularly.
6. Poor Coordination Between Departments
Without clear collaboration between HR, accounting, and line managers, data entry mistakes or missing information are common.
Solution: Design a closed-loop payroll workflow with an internal checklist.
7. Errors in Allowances & Benefits
Incorrect treatment of meal, transport, phone, or responsibility allowances, especially in determining taxable vs. non-taxable income.
Solution: Regularly review policies, categorize properly, and stay updated on tax regulations.
8. Skipping Emoluments Verification
Rushing to process emoluments without final checks often leads to post-payment corrections.
Solution: Implement a final review step by an internal audit or external payroll service provider.
9. Delayed Salary Payments
Late payments (after the 15th of each month) violate labor laws and damage the employer’s reputation.
Solution: Plan cash flow and use automated payment systems.
10. Improper Data Storage
Failure to securely store emoluments data can result in loss, inability to verify past payments, or non-compliance during audits.
Solution: Use ISO-compliant digital payroll platforms with regular cloud backups.
III. Benefits of Professional Payroll Services in Vietnam
NIC Global is one of the pioneers in standardized payroll services in Vietnam, helping businesses:
- Save time and internal resources
- Minimize legal risks
- Protect sensitive HR data with international security standards
- Integrate smoothly with HRM and CRM platforms
IV. NIC Global’s Payroll Service – A Modern Solution for Modern Businesses
NIC Global’s Payroll Service Vietnam includes:
- 100% automated payroll software that’s always legally up-to-date
- Support for payroll setup, operations, and periodic audits
- Tax and social insurance optimization based on actual workforce models
- Value-added services: time tracking, PIT registration, tax declarations, digital payslips, and more
V. Conclusion
Emoluments isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a high-precision process involving data consolidation, analysis, compliance, and execution. Given the many potential risks, partnering with a professional provider like NIC Global isn’t just cost-effective—it’s a smart move to protect your credibility and employee trust.
For contact and support:
Facebook: NIC Global – Human Resource Solutions
LinkedIn: NIC Global Sourcing JSC
Website: www.nicvn.com
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: (+84) 981.23.43.76
Address:
- Hanoi Office: No. 3A Thi Sach, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City Office: Dakao Center Building, 35 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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