Pay Transparency, Tax Write-Offs, and AI Wishful Thinking

About this episode

The episode discusses pay transparency regulations, questionable tax deductions among small business owners, and the integration of AI in small businesses.

A new Mercer survey finds that only 54% of U.S. employers are ready to comply with pay transparency regulations, while host Gene Marks says it’s a smart business practice, whether or not your state requires it. A 1-800Accountant survey reveals that 57% of small business owners admit to questionable tax deductions, with complexity, not intent, being the real culprit. And while a Goldman Sachs study shows most small businesses are using AI, only 14% have truly integrated it into core operations. Listen to the podcast. Topics:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Pay Transparency03:44 - Questionable Tax Deductions06:32 - Small Businesses and AI09:27 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Article on AI for small business: https://bit.ly/4uVEhvW 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…

People in this episode

Host: Gene Marks

Topics covered

• Pay Transparency
• Tax Write-Offs
• AI Integration
• Small Business Challenges
• Employer Compliance

Keywords

• pay transparency
• tax deductions
• small business
• AI integration
• employer compliance
• Mercer survey
• 1-800Accountant survey

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mercer, 1-800Accountant, Goldman Sachs

More episodes of THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

• Positive Jobs Data from Paychex, JOLTS Hints at Divide, State AI Laws Are Key · June 11, 2026 · 11 min
• Optimism Wanes but SMB Health Solid, Burnout on Rise, States Step Up AI Laws · June 4, 2026 · 8 min
• Savannah Bananas Owner Jesse Cole: The $0 Marketing Strategy That Built a 35-Million-Follower Brand · June 2, 2026 · 27 min
• Profitability Falls 1.3%, Employees Expect Financial Guidance, AI Drives B2B Growth · May 28, 2026 · 10 min
• Producer Price Index Worrisome, World Cup Pitch on Tipping, Claude SMB Training · May 21, 2026 · 11 min
• The World Cup Is Coming, Is Your Business Ready? · May 19, 2026 · 29 min