The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2021 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. 2021 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are the forms that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under Section 6055. 2021 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C are the forms […]
Learn MoreThe Latest Update Confirms That President Biden’s ETS Will Remain Blocked On Friday, November 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked President Joe Biden’s coronavirus vaccine mandate in a ruling. The three-judge panel for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed its initial stay order from last week, stating that […]
Learn MoreWe know about the OSHA ETS, but what are the penalties? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) prescribes specific measures employers covered by this standard must implement. This specificity will make it easier for OSHA to determine whether an employer has intentionally disregarded its obligations or […]
Learn MorePresident Biden recently directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to draft a new emergency rule requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure workers are either fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 weekly. Read an overview of the impending rule, talent market implications, and employer considerations for employee attraction and retention.
Learn MoreFailing to comply with the ACA’s requirements can cause severe consequences for an employer. This ACA Overview (PDF) summarizes the penalties and excise taxes that may be triggered by an ACA violation. Click the document below to enlarge and print.
Learn MoreThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. Since then, several changes have been made to various ACA requirements that employers and plan sponsors should be aware of. It is important for employers to periodically review their benefit plans in order to maintain compliance with these various requirements.
Learn MoreOn Oct. 5, 2021, California approved Assembly Bill 654 (AB 654) to amend California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 notice and reporting regulations. The bill became effective upon adoption on Oct. 5, 2021. The bill requires employers to give notice of COVID-19 outbreaks to: Qualifying individuals or employees exposed to qualifying individuals within one business day; […]
Learn MoreBreaking Down The November 22 Deadline By Vaccination October 15, 2021 – President Joe Biden announced, on Sept. 9, that OSHA would issue an ETS requiring covered businesses to mandate that their workers be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Covered employers will also have to give workers paid time off to get […]
Learn MoreAs OSHA Submits Draft of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate ETS As Next Step Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it submitted a draft of its emergency temporary standard (ETS) for private employers requiring mandatory COVID-19 testing or vaccination to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The ETS will require all businesses […]
Learn MoreNew Guidance on Claiming the Employee Retention Credit Although the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is expiring at the end of 2021, there’s still time for eligible businesses to claim the credit, if they haven’t already. The ERTC, also referred to as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security […]
Learn MorePresident Joe Biden’s latest COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandate is one of the federal government’s most aggressive efforts yet. What’s more, we know it will directly impact many private sector workforces as well as federal employees and contractors. For more on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) being proposed click HERE. We encourage you to […]
Learn MoreSteps For Employers To Reduce Risk Prior To The OSHA Vaccination & Testing Mandate On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing an emergency temporary standard (ETS). The new ETS will require private-sector employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated […]
Learn MoreSteps For Employers To Reduce Risk Prior To Vaccination & Testing Mandate Click HERE For The Podcast On This Topic On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing an emergency temporary standard (ETS). The new ETS will require private-sector employers with 100 or more employees to […]
Learn MoreImportant Information OSHA’s ETS for employers with 100 or more employees will be required to: Ensure their employees are fully vaccinated; or require workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result weekly before coming to work. On Sept. 9, 2021, President Biden announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing an emergency […]
Learn MoreIt’s not too late to prepare for ACA filing and These Resources Can Help You Prepare for 2022 ACA Reporting. 2021 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Reporting is Due in Early 2022 The IRS has released draft 2021 versions of Forms 1094-C, 1095-C, 1094-B and 1095-B that employers will use in early 2022 to report under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and […]
Learn MoreEmployers now have even more extra time to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on Aug. 18, 2021. The 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 reports were previously due These reports were previously due by Aug. 23, 2021, which was an extension from a previous […]
Learn More2021 COBRA Deadline Approaches As a reminder to employers, the COBRA premium assistance provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is coming to an end for all assistance eligible individuals (AEIs) on September 30, 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) includes a subsidy structure that is designed to fully […]
Learn MoreWe’re nearing the end of 2021 and we are beginning to see further effects of COVID-19 in those who have had the virus previously. As people begin to get back to work, we see that some have been affected by the COVID-19 virus with continuing symptoms. The CDC has begun to refer to this condition as having “long-haul covid.” As COVID “long-haulers” re-enter the workplace they may qualify for ADA accommodations.
Learn MoreHere’s how you could receive a tax break for hiring unemployed individuals. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit for hiring applicants from certain target groups who face significant barriers to employment—including individuals unemployed for 27 weeks or longer. With 9.5 million unemployed Americans in June, according to the Bureau of […]
Learn MoreThis alert is of interest to all employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). Employers that sponsor self-insured group health plans, including health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) should keep in mind the upcoming July 31, 2021 deadline for paying fees that fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). As background, the […]
Learn MoreUnderstanding Form 5500 is important to businesses with retirement plans. Among the many fiduciary responsibilities that must be reported on the Form 5500, plan sponsors must deposit employees’ salary or wage deferrals into their accounts as soon as administratively feasible, but no later than the 15th business day of the month following the month in which […]
Learn MoreOSHA Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). The ETS was developed to protect health care and health care support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present. The […]
Learn MoreThe FFCRA employee leave requirements expired in December 2020; however, subsequent legislation extended the tax credits for employers that continued to offer FFCRA leave on a voluntary basis. The credits are currently in effect through Sept. 30, 2021. They are taken against employment taxes and are fully refundable and advanceable.
Learn MoreThe Status Of Unemployment Benefits Is Changing The Hiring Forecast There continues to be an increase in the number of states planning to end enhanced unemployment benefits, which were made available due to the pandemic. So where does this all stand? We hope to shed some light on the current state of hiring and unemployment […]
Learn MoreOn May 18, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-31, a guidance document on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subsidy for continuation health coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). The Notice discusses the background of the subsidy and includes 86 questions and answers (Q&As) about its application. A Quick Recap: […]
Learn MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness month and a good month to reflect on the needs of our employees from a mental standpoint. The past year has been hard on us in many ways, but it is important to acknowledge the challenge that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed on us mentally. Many employees may have psychiatric […]
Learn MoreDOL Issues Model Notices, FAQs for COBRA Subsidy in the ARPA On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA provides a 100% subsidy for employer-sponsored group health insurance continued under COBRA and similar […]
Learn MoreChanges Pertaining to FFCRA and Paid Time Off Reflected in New Mandatory Labor Law Poster. In California it is a requirement to post a labor law poster containing updates on the new FFCRA paid time off law. Covered Employees in the public or private sectors who work for employers with more than 25 employees are […]
Learn MoreThe portal for private-sector employers to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2019 and 2020 will open on April 26, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced March 29, 2021. The agency also announced that the deadline for submitting 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 data is July 19, 2021. This data collection was previously delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Learn MorePPP Extension moves beyond March 31. Congress has passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a 60-day extension of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP), which was set to expire on March 31. The bill will be sent to President Joe Biden shortly, who is expected to sign the extension before […]
Learn MoreCOBRA Subsidy Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act Important Dates: April 1, 2021 ARPA 100% subsidy begins to cover COBRA premiums. Sept. 30, 2021 ARPA subsidy provision for COBRA premiums expires. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law March 11, 2021, provides a 100% subsidy of premiums for employer-sponsored group health insurance […]
Learn MoreThe $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, has passed Congress and has been signed by President Biden. Highlights of the bill include extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more.
Learn More(Updated information will continue to be provided as details are made public.) The House of Representatives has passed its version of President Joe Biden’s proposed stimulus bill, which includes extended unemployment benefits, direct checks to individuals and more. The bill is now with the Senate, where some provisions will likely change. Democrats hope to pass […]
Learn MoreThe Biden administration recently announced a 14-day period of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP) when only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for relief.
Learn MoreThe MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
Learn MoreThe U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced updates to eligibility for Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, allowing borrowers to apply through larger lenders. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, the portal will open for borrowers to apply for both first (known as First Draw PPP Loans) and second (known […]
Learn MoreOn Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the […]
Learn MoreSee an overview of what is included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, designed to deliver $900 billion in COVID-19 related aid.
Learn MoreRecently, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the bill provides funding for […]
Learn MoreOn Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law. The bill was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, the […]
Learn MoreThe Paycheck Protection Program is reopened with over $284B in funds available for new loans and second draw loans.
Learn MoreAn appropriations bill, which was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, does not extend the leave mandates created by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), which expire on Dec. 31, 2020. As a result, the requirement for employers to provide employee paid sick […]
Learn MoreStimulus Bill Includes Ban on Surprise Medical Bills On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 into law. The Act includes a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that provides funding for unemployment benefits, direct economic payments to individuals, vaccine distribution and rental assistance. It also includes the No Surprises Act, a […]
Learn MoreOn Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill, which was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year, has been sent to President Donald Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law.
Learn MoreAs of now, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) paid-leave requirements will expire on December 31, 2020. The FFCRA provided paid sick leave through the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act for certain coronavirus related instances and extended paid leave for employees with children whose child care was shut down through the Emergency Family and […]
Learn MoreThough it seems that COVID-19 has been top of mind for such a long time, new questions and COVID-19 related scenarios in the workplace keep coming.
Learn MoreOut with 2020, in with the new year. In many ways, the final weeks of the year can be a little less demanding for most employees—a season of office parties, celebratory staff lunches, and vacation time. However, it’s one of the busiest periods for HR professionals. Before we can ring in 2021, we have to […]
Learn MoreCalifornia Expands Family and Medical Leave Under the CFRA Effective Jan. 1, 2021, amendments to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) expand the law’s leave requirements to cover employers with at least five employees, provide new grounds for leave and remove leave limits. Explaining the CFRA The CFRA provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave […]
Learn MoreRemote Verification of Form I-9 Documents Extended to November 19 Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowing employers that are operating remotely to conduct a remote verification of approved Form I-9 documents. On Sept. 15, 2020, DHS extended yet again this exemption for an additional 60 days. […]
Learn MoreWhat records do I need to keep when my employee takes paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave? Regardless of whether you grant or deny a request for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, you must document the following: The name of your employee requesting leave; The date(s) for which […]
Learn MoreThe Department of Labor (DOL) revised Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms this summer. Extensive changes have been made that require more specific information in notices and medical certifications. The use of the forms is optional as many employers create their own. It is important to note that additional changes to the forms could be […]
Learn MoreIn a case brought by the New York attorney general, a New York federal district court has vacated portions of regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Learn MoreDOL Releases More Q&As on Workplace Laws and COVID-19 Pandemic On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the agency’s publication of additional guidance on applying federal employment laws in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is in the form of questions and answers added to sets of Q&As the […]
Learn MoreDOL Launches Employee Tool for Assessing FFCRA Leave Eligibility The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The tool works by posing a series of questions that […]
Learn MoreOn May 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that allows employers to pay bonuses or other incentive-based pay to salaried, nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week. The final rule clarifies that payments in addition to the fixed salary are compatible with the use of the fluctuating […]
Learn MoreTwo New Model COBRA Notices Available from the Department of Labor The Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023. To administer coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus […]
Learn MoreThanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the IRS has released a new W-4 Form for 2020 called the “Employee’s Withholding Certificate.” Learn more about the changes with the form.
Learn MoreA new California state law, AB-5, becomes effective in January that clarifies if workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors. This classification will affect about 10% of the state’s workforce regarding wages and benefits.
Learn MoreThe new ruling, which goes into effect January 1, 2020, updates the earning thresholds that are required to exempt employees from overtime pay requirements.
Learn MoreAre your I-9s in Order? You are likely aware of the largest single-state immigration raid in history that was performed on August 7, in Mississippi. This is further proof that employers hiring undocumented workers continues to be a hot topic. Worksite investigations focusing on I-9 enforcement increased 255% from FY 2017 to FY 2018. The […]
Learn MoreThe 5th Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard arguments on a lower court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act. Find out where the ACA currently stands and if your business needs to continue to comply with the law.
Learn MoreThe ICHRA provides employers a way to offer health care benefits to employees that do not count toward their taxable wages. The option also provides smaller employers a way to offer insurance without the administrative burden of offering a traditional medical plan.
Learn MoreThe Department of Justice has proposed a new ruling affecting businesses who may be considered Joint Employers. Learn if your business may be affected.
Learn MoreThe Affordable Care Act is being challenged in court. Are small to medium businesses still required to comply with the ACA? See the latest developments.
Learn MoreHR & Benefits News is a monthly column by Chris Cooley, co-founder of MyHRConcierge and SMB Benefits Advisors. If you’re involved in a franchise arrangement or use a staffing firm to hire seasonal or temporary workers, you’ll be interested in the proposal issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on April 1, to more clearly define joint employer status. […]
Learn MoreOriginal Component 2 Required Only Calendar Year 2018 On May 2, 2019, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that qualified employers must now submit calendar year 2017 pay data, as well as 2018 data, for Component 2 of the EEO-1 Survey by the filing date of September 30, 2019. Component 2 includes hours worked, […]
Learn MoreThe US Supreme Court will hear arguments in late 2019 on whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 currently covers workplace discrimination based on LGBT identity. Learn what this may mean for employers.
Learn MoreThe WOTC is a tax credit incentive offered by the government to incent employers to provide jobs to certain target groups, including U.S. Veterans.
Learn MoreThe U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a new ruling last month that affects whether employees are deemed eligible for overtime or not. The DOL has estimated the change will make more than 1 million employees eligible for overtime that are currently defined as exempt. If the ruling passes, some of the more important […]
Learn MoreFirst EEO-1 Form Due Date Approaching Qualified employers must submit 2018 information for “Component 1” of the EEO-1 Survey by May 31, 2019 on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website. This part of the report requests the number of employees a business has by job category, race, gender and ethnicity. Employers may submit their […]
Learn MoreStay Compliant with Mandatory Labor Law Poster Updates Many states will adjust their minimum wage annually in an effort to keep pace with the increasing cost of living. The chart below indicates minimum wage rate changes by state from 2018 to 2019. Employers are required to abide by minimum wage laws as determined by the State […]
Learn MoreHR & Benefits News is a monthly column by Chris Cooley, co-founder of MyHRConcierge and SMB Benefits Advisors. Grocers across the nation have many state and federal laws to keep up with throughout the year, and in 2019, they will need to ensure they stay diligent in their compliance with current laws and aware of those that are […]
Learn MorePending Regulation Would Make More Americans Eligible for Overtime Pay After months of speculation, the U. S. DOL has proposed an increase of the threshold for employees who are eligible for overtime pay. Currently, the Fair Standards Labor Act (FSLA) states that salaried employees, such as managers and other specialized employees, are exempt from being […]
Learn MoreHR & Benefits News: Feds Step Up I-9 Audits – Be Ready Editor’s note: HR & Benefits News is a monthly column by Chris Cooley, co-founder of MyHRConcierge and SMB Benefits Advisors. It’s The Law “All U.S. Employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and […]
Learn MoreThere are strict rules about how and when to use E-Verify, the federal web-based program that confirms the eligibility of employees to work in the US.
Learn MoreIR-2018-113, May 4, 2018 WASHINGTON — With many businesses facing a tight job market, the Internal Revenue Service reminds employers to check out a valuable tax credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients and other categories of workers with employment barriers. During National Small Business Week — April 29 to May 5 — […]
Learn MoreThe IRS has issued the updated 2018 Form W-4. The IRS previously stated that taxpayers can continue to use the old 2017 Form W-4 for 30 days after the new form was issued. The new Form W-4 was designed to take into account the changes made by the new tax law passed in late 2017. Some […]
Learn MoreCurrently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires individuals to be covered under a health plan that provides at least Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). This is commonly referred to as the Individual Mandate. If an individual fails to maintain coverage that meets the MEC requirement, they are subject to a penalty. Under the new proposed tax […]
Learn MoreThe IRS has released a small increase in the standard mileage rates for business use, driving for medical reasons, and moving purposes.
Learn MoreThe President signed an Executive Order with the intent to bring sweeping changes to the health insurance industry. The Executive Order focuses on three primary areas: Expanding Association Health Plans (AHP) Within 60 days from the date of the Executive Order, the Secretary of Labor shall consider proposing regulations or revising guidance to expand access to AHPs. […]
Learn MoreMyHRConcierge Co-Founder Chris Cooley was recently quoted for an article regarding the Employee Retention Credit Available For Storm-Affected Businesses.
Learn MoreThe Ninth Circuit Court has ruled liability waivers on an employee’s background check Disclosure and Authorization forms a violation of the FCRA. Is your Disclosure and Authorization form out of compliance?
Learn MoreEmployers who are victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria may qualify for a new tax credit that pays for retaining employees while inoperable.
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