Definition
Certified payroll is a detailed payroll report required on many public and prevailing-wage projects. It typically includes each worker’s name, classification, hours, rate, and gross wages, and is submitted (often weekly) to the owner or agency to prove compliance with prevailing wage and labor rules.
Why It Matters
Failure to submit accurate certified payroll can result in back wages, penalties, and disqualification from public work. Contractors on federal, state, or local prevailing-wage jobs must maintain and certify this data. Software that can produce compliant reports from time and payroll data reduces risk and admin burden.
Field Example
A contractor on a school project runs certified payroll each week: each employee’s name, last four of SSN, classification (e.g., Carpenter), hours per day, rate (prevailing rate for that classification), and gross pay. The report is signed and submitted to the awarding agency per contract.
Calculation / Formula (if applicable)
Rates and classifications must match the prevailing wage determination for the project and locality. Gross pay = hours × applicable rate (including fringe if reported separately). No single formula—follow the agency’s required format.
Software Application
Support prevailing wage rate tables by project and classification. From timesheets and payroll, generate certified payroll reports in the format required (e.g., WH-347 or state equivalent). Allow certification (e.g., signature, date) and export or submit electronically where supported.
Tooltip Version
Certified payroll is the detailed, attested payroll report required on many public projects to prove prevailing wage and labor compliance.
Related Objects
Related: