Published June 2011 Is there a small employer exception for complying with ERISA? No, virtually every private-sector employer is subject to ERISA – there is no size exemption This includes corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships Remember, non-profit organizations are covered as well However, the plans of governmental employers and of churches are exempt from the […]
Published June 2011 With Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), individuals and businesses buy less expensive health insurance policies with high deductibles. Contributions to the accounts are made on a pre-tax basis. The money can accumulate year after year tax free, and be withdrawn tax free to pay for a variety of medical expenses such as […]
Published June 2011 Do you often feel stumped and confused by all the HR-related issues – and legal traps – that confront you as an employer and manager? You’re not alone. The Employers Resource Association (ERA), based in Ohio, gets more than 8,000 calls each year to its HR Hotline. These questions from HR professionals […]
May 2011 New rules issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will expand the number of employees who can claim protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The new rules, authorized by the ADA Amendments (ADAA) passed by Congress in 2008, are effective May 24. The EEOC – in issuing the new rules […]
Published May 2011 The following is a general overview of some regulatory changes affecting employer HR practices. Significant Supreme Court rulings: In March, 2011 two rulings by the US Supreme Court will have continuing impact on how employers conduct business. The ruling called the “cat’s paw” theory of discrimination was presented. This ruling states that an employer […]
Published April 2011 Are there any exceptions from any health and welfare benefits being considered as an ERISA benefit? Yes. There is a safe harbor under DOL Reg. § 2510.3-1(j) for certain voluntary employee-pay-all” benefits. To qualify for this exemption from ERISA, an employer allows an insurance company to sell voluntary policies to interested employees […]
Published April 2011 WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today issued interim guidance to employers on informational reporting on each employee’s annual Form W-2 of the cost of the health insurance coverage they sponsor for employees. The IRS is also requesting comments on this interim guidance. The IRS emphasized that this new reporting to employees is […]
Published April 2011 HRAnswerlink April 4, 2011 On March 24, 2011, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published its final regulations concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) that established a broad definition of “disability.” The EEOC also provided new interpretive guidance to address concerns posed when the Act which was passed […]
Published February 2011 Q. I’m using my personal car in my business. How much can I deduct on my tax return for the car? A. There are two basic ways to write off expenses for business-related travel: The standard mileage method. This provides a basic deduction for mileage and provides built-in depreciation. For 2011, […]
Published February 2011 The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is championing the cause of the employee who allegedly lost her job because of online postings on a social media Web site. It appears to be the first case of its kind to proceed this far. An administrative law judge is scheduled to hear the case […]
