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Compensation & Benefits

Unused leave takes a bite out of municipal budgets

05/10/2012
It’s a benefit designed to retain long-term employees, but the practice of allowing retiring government ­workers to cash out unused leave may turn in­­to an actuarial time bomb. The prob­­lem: Local governments are shedding employees at a record pace, often through early-retirement packages. And the leave liability is largely unfunded.

How independent contractor can qualify for unemployment

05/10/2012
Have you thought about converting employees into independent contractors to save money? Then make sure you tell them they won’t be eligible for unemployment compensation. If you don’t, they may be eligible.

Sex-change spouse covered by health insurance

05/10/2012
Does your health insurance or other benefit plan specifically state that it covers those who are married under Minnesota law? Then your policy terms probably apply in some unique circumstances—including when an employee is married to someone who has undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Plan ahead now for W-2 health care reporting

05/10/2012
By the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to let us know whether some or all of the Affordable Care Act health care reform law will stand—or be struck down. The highly anticipated decision notwithstanding, it’s a good idea to get your W-2 reporting ducks in a row now.

TIGTA: Employers not taking the health care credit

05/07/2012
Few eligible small employers are claiming the health care tax credit, despite the IRS’ numerous public relations efforts, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Among the reasons given for the low take-up rate: It took too long and it was too hard to claim the credit.

Plan how you will contest bid for unemployment benefits

05/04/2012

You may assume that an employee who obviously isn’t meeting expectations will simply go away when you fire him. Don’t bet on it. He’ll probably apply for unemployment. Be prepared to show exactly why you terminated him.

NYC law firm settles partner’s age discrimination case

05/03/2012
Kelley Drye & Warren, a New York City law firm with more than 300 attorneys, had a policy of requiring partners who reached age 70 to relinquish equity in the firm, receiving only discretionary bonuses. Too bad for the firm that Eugene D’Ablemont knew the law …

Giving gift cards as a benefit: 9 key do’s and don’ts

05/03/2012
Prepaid gift cards are an increasingly popular tool to motivate and reward employees. However, employers often weaken the impact by simply handing them out without a strategy. Get the most out of prepaid cards with these tips:

Happy campers, happy parents

05/02/2012
Employees looking for a place to park their youngsters during the summer should consider day camp, including speciality camps. Tax break: Parents may defray day camp expenses through the company’s dependent care assistance program, up to the $5,000 annual limit.

Brother, can you spare $3,400: Can Payroll help close tax gap?

05/01/2012

$3,400: That’s how much the tax gap—the difference between what’s owed and what’s paid—costs every single taxpayer in extra taxes. And the figure is only growing. Proposals to close the tax gap were raised at a recent congressional hearing.