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OhioBWC - Basics:  How is the premium figured for my Business?

How is the premium figured for my business?

Private employers are required to pay workers’ compensation premiums into the State Insurance Fund. Employers calculate their own premium on a payroll report that BWC sends out twice yearly. The employer is instructed to report the payroll for the previous six-month period separating the payroll according to the different manual classifications. (Manual classifications are assigned to each employer based on the job duties reported on the initial coverage application) The payroll report comes to the employer with the manual classifications and the rates already entered. The employer enters the actual payroll for each manual classification, multiplies by the rate assigned to that manual classification, then adds the totals for each and this figure is the premium amount due to BWC.

Reporting payroll
To maintain workers compensation coverage, state-fund employers are required to submit a payroll report along with their premium payment to BWC twice yearly. In defining payroll, BWC generally follows the guidelines of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Federal Unemployment Tax Authority (FUTA).

The following items are considered payroll and should be included on the payroll report:
  • Gross hourly wages and gross salaries less qualifying deductions for section 125 cafeteria plan benefits;
  • Sick pay (including third party, excluding workers’ compensation);
  • Bonus payments including stock given as a bonus;
  • All sales commissions;
  • All tips;
  • Severance pay;
  • Overtime pay;
  • All stock gifts;
  • Profit sharing going directly to employees as payroll;
  • Any voluntary employee contributions to retirement plans, including 401K;
  • Any portion of cafeteria plans as reportable to FUTA, such as cash options and unqualified benefits;
  • Reasonable value of board, lodging, house or room rent unless provided for the convenience of the employer;
  • Per diems and traveling expense is reportable if this amount exceeds one-third of the employee’s total remuneration. Total remuneration includes both the regular wages and per diems and traveling expense. The amount of per diem and/or traveling expense that exceeds one-third of the total remuneration is reportable;
  • Contributions to deferred compensation by employees (except for government employees);
  • Expenses exceeding one-third of an employee’s normal pay;
  • Personal use of a company car.


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