With updates to the Federal tax table and 26 separate states, you should download and apply the tax tables prior to entering your first payroll for 2009.
Remember : You must print W2 forms using the old tax tables in order for the Social Security wage base to be accurate on your 2008 W-2 forms.
Most users find it helpful to make a backup of their 2008 final payroll data to a test company in Sage MAS 90 or 200. This can be accomplished in version 4.x+ through the company maintenance option in Library Master. Versions prior to 4.x must use the “File” – “Run” – “SVDATA” command to make a copy of MAS 90 data.
UPDATE 12-23-08: There is an IRD for 2008 which has just been issued by Sage and may be downloaded from here.
Payroll Tax Table Update
Product Group: Sage MAS 90 and 200
Product Affected: Payroll Tax Table Update Levels 3.71, 3.72, 3.73, 3.74, versions 4.00, 4.05, 4.10, 4.20, 4.30, and 4.30 Extended Enterprise Suite Version 1.0 and 1.1.
Number: PR3033-KBA
Date: December 19, 2008
Subject: 2009 Payroll Tax Tables Update Level 4.30, dated 12/19/08
You must be active on a Sage Basic Software Maintenance Plan to obtain the tax tables which must be downloaded from the Sage site (none are sent by mail).
As discussed during my December 17, 2008 year end seminar, there will not be an Interim Release Disk (IRD) this year since there have been no changes to the W2 form layout.
Link: Download Sage MAS 90 and 200 Payroll Tax Tables Update for 2009
Other Year End Items of Interest:
Schulz Consulting Year End 2008 Seminar (recorded)
Sage Official Year End Payroll, Electronic Media, Accounts Payable FAQ