Sara Lanns 
Unemployment income has always been taxable income. Those who apply for unemployment benefits can have federal tax, and any applicable state tax, withheld, but whether it’s done check by check or in a lump sum, the recipient has to pay. However, because 2020 was such a difficult year, the federal government granted a limited break. … Read more
Below are federal payroll tax rates and benefits contribution limits for 2022. Social Security tax In 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for employers and employees, unchanged from 2021. The Social Security wage base is $147,000 for employers and employees, increasing from $142,800 in 2021. Self-employed people must pay 12.4% on the first $147,000. Medicare tax … Read more
Traditionally, employees have to opt into retirement plans and make their own decisions about contributions. But there’s another possibility: automatic enrollment in a 401(K). If they choose to enroll their staff automatically, companies have three options: Basic 401(K) auto enrollment, also called an “Automatic Contribution Arrangement” (ACA) Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan … Read more
Imagine you’re a nursing home manager trying to replace a nurse’s aide. But the resumes aren’t coming in like they usually do. You can’t figure out why until an applicant points out that you’re offering the same hourly wage as McDonald’s and asks what you have that McDonald’s doesn’t. Lockdown-era furloughs forced huge numbers of … Read more
The IRS has issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2022, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 58.5 cents per mile … Read more
The IRS has announced the new retirement plan numbers for 2022. Retirement limits for 401(k) and similar plans are up. The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500. IRA limits have changed for certain savers. If during the … Read more
According to a report by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, just 19 percent of employers say their employees had a “high level of understanding of their benefits.” The report cites three main reasons for this: Employees don’t open or read the materials. Employees don’t understand the materials. Employees don’t see the value in … Read more
Many businesses are struggling with a worker shortage. It is happening across the board: staff shortages at our doctors’ offices, at child care centers and at the restaurants we frequent. Businesses, their employees and their customers and clients all are unhappy and trying hard to find solutions. Here are seven things businesses can focus on … Read more
Employer coverage – Is your business covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? You must adhere to the FMLA if you employ at least 50 employees in 20 or more workweeks in the current or prior calendar year. The employees must also meet certain eligibility rules. Notice requirements – Is the FMLA poster … Read more
A 2020 report by Ernst & Young says on-demand pay is “the term used to describe a category of financial products that give employees the ability to draw on their accrued wages before payday.” The Case for On-Demand Pay In 2017, CareerBuilder reported that a staggering 78% of U.S. workers live paycheck to paycheck. Since … Read more
