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Compensation & Benefits

FY 2024 IRS appropriations bill includes payroll provisions

03/26/2024
Congress managed to keep the lights on through Sept. 30—the end of the federal government’s 2024 fiscal year—by passing two minibus (as opposed to an omnibus) appropriations bills. The second minibus, which passed last weekend, includes funding for the IRS and two provisions intended to protect employers from fraud committed by unscrupulous third-party payroll providers.

Bill introduced to make 32-hour workweek the norm

03/25/2024
The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to cut the standard workweek from 40 hours per week to 32.

Get a head start on preparing to handle summer-hire paperwork

03/25/2024
Seasonal staff may only be part of your organization for a couple of months, but they generate almost all the same paperwork regular employees do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for the annual onslaught of summer hires and interns. Start collaborating now with your colleagues in payroll to set up processes for these following tasks.

7 tips for holding on to older workers nearing retirement age

03/20/2024
In today’s tight labor market, retention is more important than ever. If you have employees nearing retirement age, consider making an extra effort to hold onto them. You might find them more than willing to stay on the payroll.

Consider adding fertility, adoption benefits

03/20/2024
If you employ lots of young people, many of your staff members may be struggling with infertility or, instead of conceiving, thinking about adopting a child. Employers may be in a position to help by expanding their benefits portfolios—and reaping a retention reward along the way.

In the Payroll Mailbag: April ’24

03/20/2024
How do you withhold on commissions? … Can an employee be exempt from Medicare taxes?

Think twice before firing an employee for FMLA abuse

03/20/2024
An employee on FMLA leave for their own serious health condition can’t work for you. This doesn’t consign them to sitting at home until their leave is up, however. A federal trial court ruled that an employee on FMLA leave could have her day in court after she was fired for chaperoning her son’s senior trip to Jamaica.

Payroll practice essentials: Disclosing tax information

03/20/2024
From how offices are configured, which is usually behind closed and locked doors, to computers strategically situated to block other employees’ view, Payroll runs on confidentiality. Yet there are times when confidentiality may be breached.

April Fools!

03/20/2024
Payroll managers know April Fools is no joke to the IRS. Your first-quarter Form 941 is due by month’s end. Here’s help.

College is expensive. Here’s how you can help

03/20/2024
Employees who paid off their student loans long ago are now helping their kids through college, and some are taking out second mortgages to do it. You can ease some of this burden by establishing a tax-free scholarship program for employees’ kids. A private letter ruling shows the way.