Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about HR outsourcing and TriNet services.

About TriNet

Who is TriNet and is TriNet accredited?

Founded in 1988, TriNet (NYSE: TNET) is an industry leader in HR solutions for small to medium size businesses. TriNet PEO offers payroll services, access to big-company benefits, a 401(k) plan, workers’ compensation, employer practices liability insurance, and strategic HR support and services. The company also provides online tools for manager and employee self-service. Since 1995, TriNet PEO has been accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), the official accreditation and financial assurance organization for the industry.

How can TriNet benefit my business?

TriNet helps simplify HR administration with access to payroll services, premium-level benefits, risk mitigation and compliance expertise—all delivered through industry-tailored service and a comprehensive technology platform—so you can devote more time to your business and your team.

Learn more about how TriNet can help your business

How can TriNet support my company’s growth?

Small business owners can get bogged down with administrative tasks, payroll, compliance and sensitive HR matters when their business starts growing. For that reason, small businesses are increasingly leveraging a single vendor that can offer full-service HR solutions.

Learn about the 5 Key HR Strategies for Scaling your Business.

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How can I contact TriNet?

Sales inquiries
Learn how TriNet’s comprehensive HR solutions can help your business.
Contact Sales or call 888.874.6388

TriNet PEO Customer Solution Center
For questions contact:
employees@trinet.com
800.638.0461
6AM - 12AM EST, Monday - Friday

TriNet HR Platform and HR Plus Customers
Find contact information in our help center

Media & PR
Renee Brotherton
Vice President, Corporate Communications
925.965.8441
Renee.Brotherton@TriNet.com

HR Outsourcing and PEOs

What is a professional employer organization (PEO)?

Professional employer organizations, or PEOs, work with small and medium size businesses to provide human resources support, payroll, benefits and other HR administrative services. Many PEOs also provide worksite employees with access to 401(k) plans, health, dental and life insurance, dependent care, and other benefits not typically provided by small businesses

Learn more how a PEO works

What is outsourcing human resources?

Human resources outsourcing involves hiring a company to help manage certain functions like administration of benefits, payroll services and strategic HR. It can also include strategic services like talent retention, compliance and risk mitigation.

Learn how outsourced HR can deliver value in hard numbers and numerous intangibles.

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What is co-employment?

In a co-employment relationship, a PEO and its clients allocate certain employer responsibilities relating to the employees the client brings into the relationship. Typically, the PEO and client responsibilities are expressly described in a service agreement between the PEO and the client. The business owner remains in complete control of day-to-day activities and direction of the company.

What are the benefits of using a PEO?

The advantages of teaming up with a PEO include access to robust benefits, mitigating employment-related risk, reduced costs associated with running an HR team and added time to focus on your business. Learn more about PEO benefits

Learn about the 6 Key HR Strategies for Scaling your Business.

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What is the difference between a PEO vs ASO?

A PEO delivers services to its customers through a shared tax ID; this model is referred to as a “co-employer” or “co-employment” relationship. Companies working with PEOs retain complete control over operations, workforce management, building company culture and defining the employment brand.

The service provided by an ASO does not establish a co-employment relationship. The ASO does not process payroll and remit and report taxes under its own FEIN, nor can it provide access to benefits as a sponsor of a benefits plan. The client company remains the sole sponsor when working with an ASO.

Read our blog for more details on ASO vs PEO.

TriNet Services and Products

What HR consulting services does TriNet provide?

TriNet PEO includes access to benefit options, technology platform, online payroll services, risk mitigation and HR consulting expertise.

Payroll

What payroll services does TriNet offer?

Our online payroll services include payroll processing with direct deposit and debiting, plus we make it easy to go paperless with e-pay stubs and electronic W-2 preparation and delivery. You can also view estimated invoices, which are automatically updated as you add employees and make other changes. Our self-service platform also allows you to track paid time off.

What payroll taxes are reported by TriNet?

For TriNet PEO the following payroll taxes are reported under TriNet's professional employer organization (PEO) federal employer identification numbers (FEINs):

All federal payroll taxes—Form W-2s will be issued under TriNet’s name and FEIN
All state and local income taxes, except for California and Oregon
Paid family and medical leave, except for Massachusetts and Washington
State disability insurance (SDI) in Hawaii, New York and Puerto Rico
SUTA in certain states

What payroll taxes are reported under your company’s FEIN, when using TriNet PEO?

California and Oregon income tax withholding
State disability insurance (SDI) in California and Rhode Island
Paid family and medical leave for Massachusetts and Washington
SUTA in certain states

Benefits

What type of employee benefits can I provide my employees through TriNet?

With TriNet PEO you are able to leverage the collective strength of thousands of small and medium sized businesses, we’re able to deliver access to premium-level benefits that include health, dental, vision and 401(k) plans. Access to employee benefit plans goes beyond robust health and retirement coverage to include benefits such as critical accident and illness policies, auto and home policies, and commuter benefits. TriNet also helps you navigate benefits compliance requirements including ACA, COBRA, disability and state filings.

Technology

Does TriNet offer mobile services?

Yes, with TriNet Mobile for TriNet PEO, employees can have HR essentials at their fingertips. With both Android and iOS support, all employees have access to the TriNet platform from the palm of their hands.

Money: View paycheck detailed summaries. Access important tax information and W-2 forms.
Time off: See available time off balance and history. Request, schedule and approve time off.
Benefits: Check elections including carriers and group policy numbers.
Security: Protect information with multi-step authentication.
Company information: Access company contact details.

Pricing

What is TriNet’s pricing structure?

TriNet PEO charges on a flat fee per-employee-per-month (PEPM) basis, so your costs are predictable.¹ Prices can vary by region, industry, company size and scope of services. Get more information on TriNet’s Transparent Pricing page.

¹ Payroll taxes are subject to periodic adjustments by relevant government authorities and this is an estimate based on annual employee wages and wages capped as applicable according to federal and state taxing authority guidelines. PEPM charges applicable as a portion of the rate on each pay cycle run charged per check fee.

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ESAC Accreditation

We comply with all ESAC standards and maintain ESAC accreditation since 1995.

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Certified PEO

A TriNet subsidiary is classified as a Certified Professional Employer Organization by the IRS.

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