Reporting Changes in Payroll Estimates

Throughout the year, your business can experience changes that increase or decrease your annual payroll. If your payroll changes at any point in the year after you provide the WCB with your annual payroll estimate in February, let us know so you can avoid unnecessary interest charges.

Our system automatically compares the estimate you provide this year to the actual you report next year and if there is a difference of more than 25% up or down, you may be subject to an interest charge of 3% above prime on the unreported portion or paid a minimal amount on the over-reported portion. Do not hesitate to call us with an estimate update anytime there has been significant change to your current year's estimate.

Why is it important to change my payroll estimate throughout the year? 

It is important to adjust your payroll estimate throughout the year if your payroll is going to change so that your premium payments appropriately reflect your coverage level and are paid for in the year in which you have the coverage. If your payroll increases, your premium and your payments will increase proportionately for the year in which they apply. If your payroll decreases, your premium and your payments will decrease.

When should I review my payroll estimate? 

You should review your payroll estimate as soon as you realize there is a change and contact us immediately with the new information. Even if you are not certain that your payroll has changed, we recommend you review your payroll and report any changes to us by the end of June and again before the last working day of December.

Interest may be charged on the difference between the estimate you provided this year and the actual payroll you report early next year. We recognize circumstances can change at any point throughout the year, so if you experience an increase or a decrease in your annual payroll, please contact us so we can make the adjustment. You should contact us as often as is necessary to ensure your payroll estimate for the current year is as close as possible to what you will be reporting for you actual payroll next February.

What happens when I change my payroll estimate? 

When you provide us with your revised estimate, we will adjust your account immediately. If you have remaining premium payments, they will be adjusted to reflect the new estimate. Your next account statement will detail the changes and your new payment requirements. If your premium has been paid for the year, your account will be adjusted and your next statement will detail whether there is a debit or credit balance as a result of the change in estimate.

Please note, interest on inaccurate payroll estimates will not be charged or owing if:

  • The charge amounts to less $50 for the year; or
  • The credit is less than $10.

 

If I Do Have a Difference of More than 25% Between My Payroll Estimate and the Actual Payroll I Report, How Will the Interest Be Calculated?

The interest rate you may be charged for under-estimating your payroll is the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) prime lending rate plus 3%. This amount is adjusted January 1 and July 1 of each year. 

The WCB compares your 2022 estimated payroll to your 2022 actual payroll as of June 30 and December 31. For the June 30 time frame, the interest rate is 2.76%.   The interest rate for the December 31 time frame is 3.40%.

The interest you may be paid if your payroll was over-estimated is based on the Provincial Treasury Bill Rate minus 1.5% but can be no less than 0.25%. This amount is also adjusted January 1 and July 1 of each year. 

Interest may be paid if you overestimate your payroll amount. The WCB compares your 2022 estimated payroll to your 2022 actual payroll as of June 30 and December 31.  For the June 30 time frame, the interest rate is 0.25%.  The interest rate for the December 31 time frame is 0.618%.

 

How Do I Change My Payroll Estimate?

Changes to your payroll estimate can be submitted at any time of the year by mail, phone, email or fax. Please be sure to include your account number with all correspondence.

WCB Assessment Services
333 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB  R3C 3W4
Phone: 204-954-4505; toll free 1-855-954-4321, extension 4505
Email: assessmentservices@wcb.mb.ca
Fax: 204-954-4900; toll free in Canada: 1-866-245-0796

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