Payroll Tax Strategy for Manufacturing & Industrial Employers

Reduce FICA Costs. Improve Worker Retention. And Keep Production Moving — Without Adding Cost.

Whether you're running a fabrication shop, packaging facility, machine shop, or production plant, you know the formula: keep your lines running, your people safe, and your overhead lean.

But that’s easier said than done when:

  • Entry-level turnover eats into training time

  • Skilled labor is harder to come by

  • And payroll taxes take a larger bite each quarter

The Preventive Care Management Plan (PCMP) offers a compliant, zero-net-cost solution that puts real money back into your operation while delivering value to your workforce.

What Is a PCMP?

The PCMP is a pre-tax, wellness-focused benefit plan that qualifies under IRS Section 125. It gives your W2 employees access to services like:

  • Preventive screenings

  • 24/7 telehealth & behavioral support

  • Coaching for stress, sleep, nutrition, and injury prevention

  • Substance use education & EAP-style guidance

It’s not a substitute for health insurance. It’s a layered benefit that requires no changes to existing coverage — and triggers meaningful payroll tax savings on your end.

The Financial Impact

Here’s what you could recover, just by offering the plan to your existing W2 team:

  • 20 employees = ~$12,000/year saved

  • 50 employees = ~$30,000/year saved

  • 150 employees = ~$90,000/year saved

And this isn’t a tax credit or delayed refund — it’s reduced FICA tax liability, recovered in real time with each payroll cycle.

Why It Works in Manufacturing & Industrial Settings

1. You Have W2 Headcount — Often Large

If you’ve got multiple shifts, line operators, warehouse support, and skilled trades on payroll, this plan scales with you. The more W2s, the greater the savings.

2. It Enhances Retention Without Raising Wages

In a labor market where entry-level workers jump ship for 50 cents more an hour, offering a legitimate, easy-to-use benefit can tip the scale.

Your team gains something they can actually use — without increasing your total comp spend.

3. It Reinforces Your Safety & Wellness Culture

Many manufacturers invest in PPE, training, and safety compliance — but have limited options for personal wellness support that’s accessible to all staff.

This program shows your team that you care about more than just uptime — you’re supporting them off the floor, too.

4. It’s Hands-Off for You and HR

PCMPs are fully administered:

Is This Compliant?

Yes — when implemented correctly. PCMPs are compliant with IRS and ACA regulations and rely on legal benefit structures used by companies across the country. Ficava only works with vetted PCMP vendors who:

  • Provide full legal documentation & audit-ready records

  • Ensure actual delivery of benefit services

  • Handle all plan administration and employee communication

  • Work seamlessly with your payroll system or provider

FAQs from Plant Managers & Owners

Q: Is there any risk to the company?
A: When structured properly, no. This is not an aggressive tax shelter or a fringe benefit workaround — it’s a pre-tax wellness benefit backed by compliance support and plan documentation.

Q: What if we already offer insurance?
A: The PCMP complements — it doesn’t replace — existing coverage. It works as a separate, standalone wellness plan.

Q: What if some employees opt out?
A: That’s fine. You’ll only see savings based on actual participation. There’s no penalty or minimum participation required to offer the plan.

Quick Snapshot

What you gain:

  • ~$600+/employee/year in FICA savings

  • Better retention & morale

  • Administered for you

What it costs:

  • $0 net cost

  • No disruption to payroll

  • No insurance requirement

Get a Custom Savings Estimate

If you’ve got 15 or more employees on W2 payroll — from the floor to the warehouse to logistics — there’s a strong chance your company could recover tens of thousands in payroll tax annually, just by offering this fully managed benefit.

Request a Free Savings Estimate