BUSINESS

California: Transportation Network Companies Must Conduct Certain Background Checks

Law Effective January 1, 2017 Under a new law in California, a transportation network company must conduct (or have a third party conduct) a local and national criminal background check for each participating driver that includes certain features. Background A “transportation network company” is an organization, including (but not limited to) a corporation, limited liability […]

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IRS: Employers Face New January 31 W-2 Filing Deadline

New Deadline to File Forms W-2 to the SSA The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding employers of a new January 31 filing deadline for Forms W-2. New Filing Deadline The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted last December, includes a new requirement for employers. They are now required to file their copies […]

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IRS Announces Retirement Plan Limits for 2017

401(k) Contribution Limit Remains Unchanged at $18,000 The IRS has announced cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2017. Highlights include: The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans remains unchanged at $18,000. The catch-up contribution limit for those […]

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OSHA Releases Updated Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs

Recommendations Do Not Create New Legal Obligations The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a set of Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs to help employers establish a methodical approach to improving safety and health in their workplaces. Highlights of the recommendations are presented below. New Features The recommendations update prior […]

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Small Business Tax Credit Requirements Adjusted for Inflation

Inflation Adjustments Affect Employer Eligibility & Maximum Credit Amount The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced inflation adjustments for 2017 that affect the amount used for determining who is an eligible small employer for purposes of the small business health care tax credit and the maximum amount of the credit. Among other eligibility requirements, the […]

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Understanding the ACA’s 90-Day Waiting Period Limitation

Limits Also Placed on Cumulative Service Requirements, Orientation Periods The Affordable Care Act (ACA) limits waiting periods applied by group health plans to 90 days after an employee is otherwise eligible for coverage. The discussion below is intended to help employers understand this limitation—however, please keep in mind that compliance with the waiting period rules […]

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USCIS: Current Form I-9 Valid Until January 21, 2017

Revised Form Expected to Be Published By November 22, 2016 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that employers may continue using the current version of Form I-9 until January 21, 2017. After that date, all previous versions of Form I-9 will be invalid. USCIS is expected to publish a revised form by November […]

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IRS Releases 2017 Inflation Adjustments for Various Tax Benefits

Some Tax Benefits Increase Slightly, Others Unchanged The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a number of inflation-adjusted tax items for 2017, some of which remain unchanged. Among other items, the annual dollar limit on employee contributions to employer-sponsored health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) rises to $2,600 (up from $2,550 in 2016). Other Items of […]

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Amendments Address Prior Salary, Race, and Ethnicity

A new law in California, effective January 1, 2017, makes certain changes to the state’s equal pay law. Highlights of the changes are presented below. Background Currently, an employer is prohibited from paying any of its employees at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex for substantially similar work, […]

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It’s Time To Vote: State Voting Leave Requirements

With Election Day quickly approaching, private sector employers should be aware of their obligations under state law to provide voting leave for their employees. KNOW THE LAW The following is a general summary only of voting leave requirements under California state law. Many states have additional rules regarding time off to vote. For example, some states may not […]

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