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Compensation & Benefits

SUV cost rises for standard mileage valuation method

06/03/2014
Employers that use the standard mileage rate (56 cents a mile in 2014) to value employees’ personal use of company vehicles are restricted to supplying vehicles of modest value. For company cars first made available to employees in 2014 and that qualify for the standard mileage rate valuation method, the fair-market value remains $16,000.

IRS juggling many payroll projects

06/03/2014
The IRS has been busy since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in United States v. Quality Stores that severance pay is FICA taxable. In May, IRS Acting Chief of Employment Tax Dan Lauer addressed the American Payroll Association’s 32nd Annual Congress in Minneapolis, bringing participants up to speed with the goings on at the IRS.

No unemployment benefits just because of long commute

06/02/2014
A Pottstown, Pa. teacher who quit rather than accept a transfer won’t receive unemployment benefits following a Com­­mon­­wealth Court ruling.

Poll: Can a 401(k) fund retirement?

05/30/2014
Americans’ confidence in their 401(k) plans took a big hit in the economic collapse of 2008. Then, 54% thought they could fund retirement via their 401(k)s. Now, less than half do.

June 2014: Employer’s business tax calendar

05/30/2014
This is your monthly guide to critical payroll due dates.

Special analysis: Worker status issues expand beyond payroll

05/29/2014
The incentive to misclassify employees as independent contractors to get under the ACA’s 50-employee cap may seem tempting. The real incentive is to ensure that your workforce is properly classified in the first place.

San Antonio fast food franchisee hit with OT suit

05/28/2014
A San Antonio area franchisee faces charges he failed to pay proper overtime to his employees. Wessam “Sammie” Aldeeb operate eight restaurants, including Subway, Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery stores. A recently filed suit seeks class-action status for at least 125 current or former employees of Aldeeb’s franchises.

Proposed model COBRA notice pushes health insurance exchanges

05/28/2014
The Department of Labor has issued a new proposed model notice of continuation coverage rights under COBRA. It’s similar to previous versions you may have used, but emphasizes that separated workers might be better off seeking health insurance from state or federal Health Insurance Marketplaces than purchasing COBRA coverage through your plan.

Church wages don’t count toward unemployment benefits

05/28/2014
Employees can’t count their work histories with religious organizations when seeking unemployment benefits.

Keep bereavement leave policies up-to-date

05/27/2014
Although there’s no federal requirement to offer time off after the death of a loved one, many businesses do it anyway. Before long, however, those voluntary policies could become law.