Tucked into the massive, $789 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are several provisions affecting HR. But because most require federal agencies to write new implementation rules, predicting how they will play out day-to-day will be like trying to hit a moving target.
We’ll keep you up to date on compliance guidance as the government releases it. Check back regularly for updates from the Department of Labor and the IRS. We’ll continue to add our own articles as well.
Economic stimulus package targets HR issues
A rundown of HR issues addressed in the original House bill. Some of these HR-related provisions did not make the final cut
New economic stimulus law will find HR working closely with accounting
Here’s a summary of the HR provisions contained in the final version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which President Obama signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Full text of the final legislation
Official summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Summary of the final law, prepared by the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees—new tax withholding information appears on page 1; information on new COBRA subsidies is on page 16 (Updated 3/02/09)
IRS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Portal page of ARRA-related links for employers (Updated 2/27/09)
COBRA subsidy resources
ARRA’s COBRA premium reduction provision
The portion of the ARRA addressing COBRA subsidy provisions (Updated 3/02/09)
IRS information on COBRA health insurance continuation premium subsidy
Links to various IRS documents relating to the new ARRA COBRA subsidies (Updated 3/03/09)
IRS COBRA subsidy Q&A for employers
Updated IRS Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return
The form on which employers can claim COBRA assistance payments (Updated 3/03/09)
Instructions for updated IRS Form 941
U.S. Department of Labor information on COBRA health insurance continuation premium subsidy
Portal page of ARRA-related links for employers (Updated 3/02/09)
Labor Department’s COBRA Premium Reduction Fact Sheet
Explanation of eligibility requirements, benefits options, income limits, etc. (Updated 3/02/09)
Official COBRA subsidy poster
The Labor Department’s approved poster describing the COBRA subsidies—this helps satisfy some of the law’s notification requirements (Updated 3/02/09)
Frequently asked questions about the COBRA subsidies (for employers)
Answers to employers’ questions about COBRA subsidy compliance (Updated 3/02/09)
Frequently asked questions about the COBRA subsidies (for employees)
Compiled by the Labor Department—aimed at employees, but useful to employers and HR too (Updated 3/02/09)
DOL’s COBRA model notices
Three versions of DOL-approved notices (Updated 3/19/09)
FAQs for employers about COBRA premium reduction under ARRA (Updated 3/19/09)
General information about COBRA compliance from the DOL
Not specific to the ARRA, just a comprehensive overview of COBRA issues for employers (Updated 3/19/09)
Making Work Pay Tax Credit
IRS information on the Making Work Pay Tax Credit
IRS portal page on the ARRA’s consumer stimulus centerpiece—a $400 per employee federal tax reduction, to be accomplished through reduced federal withholding (Updated 2/27/09)
New Withholding Tables Now Available on IRS.gov
IRS explanation of new withholding procedures, with links to new withholding tables (Updated 3/03/09)
Official revised IRS withholding tables
These reflect the new withholding levels mandated by the ARRA (Updated 3/02/09)
