Author Maggie-Mae Laufman

An insurance consultant or risk manager can save your company a considerable amount of time, frustration, and thousands of dollars in premium and claims costs. When it comes to bidding out your insurance renewals, having a strategic game plan is absolutely crucial to garnering the best results possible. To simply allow two or three agents/brokers […]

Values Apply to Vehicles First Made Available to Employees for Personal Use in Calendar Year 2017 The IRS has released the maximum vehicle values for 2017 that taxpayers need to determine the value of personal use of employer-provided vehicles under the special valuation rules provided under IRS regulations. 2017 Maximum Vehicle Values The maximum value […]

Until Further Action, Rule to Become Applicable on April 10, 2017 The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a proposed rule seeking to delay the applicability date of the Fiduciary Rule, which is set to become applicable on April 10, 2017. Background On April 8, 2016, the DOL released a final rule (“Fiduciary Rule”) […]

Retaliation Prohibited Under FLSA, OSH Act, and Federal Nondiscrimination Laws The U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL) and Justice, along with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), have released a fact sheet clarifying that retaliation against workers who assert their workplace rights is unlawful, regardless of the workers’ immigration status. Important details of the fact […]

Enforcement of Notice Penalty Also Delayed The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the period for an employer to furnish an initial written notice to its eligible employees regarding a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA) and has delayed associated penalties until further guidance is issued. Background The 21st Century Cures Act requires employers […]

Policies Renewed Under Extended Transitional Policy Must End by December 31, 2018 A previously extended transitional policy which allows health insurance issuers, at their option, to continue group coverage that would otherwise be terminated or cancelled has been extended further—to policy years beginning on or before October 1, 2018, provided that all policies end by […]

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce held its fourth annual “Santa Colorita Run,” a festival of community, color, fitness, fun and families. These types of runs take place all over the world, and have become a celebration of health, happiness, individuality, and a spirit giving back to one’s community.  Our very own Marketing Director, […]

Paper Filers Must Submit Request by February 28, 2017 With the Affordable Care Act information reporting deadlines for the 2016 calendar year quickly approaching, employers are reminded that they can request a 30-day extension to file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Unless an extension is granted, employers must file these […]

Hardship Exemption Application Also Available The City of San Jose has released a notice that covered employers must post under the San Jose Opportunity to Work Ordinance. Background The San Jose Opportunity to Work Ordinance generally requires employers with 36 or more employees to offer additional work hours to existing qualified part-time employees before hiring […]

Taxpayers May Be Able to Deduct Certain Expenses The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has updated Publication 463 (Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses) for use in preparing 2016 returns that are filed in 2017. Background Taxpayers may be able to deduct the ordinary and necessary business-related expenses they have for travel, entertainment, gifts, or transportation. […]