The 2021 ‘Social Security wage base’ is increasing
If your small business is planning for payroll next year, be aware that the “Social Security wage base” is increasing. The Social Security Administration recently announced that the maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax will increase from $137,700 in 2020 to $142,800 in 2021. For 2021, the FICA tax rate for both employers and […]
CARES Act contains two payroll tax provisions to help employers
Opportunities to preserve some cash flow during the coronavirus health crisis are available through the CARES Act whether or not you received a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. Employee Retention Credits. One of those provisions under the CARES Act allows eligible employers to qualify for a refundable credit against, generally, the employer’s portion of the […]
Antares Group to close offices until April 1 amid COVID-19 outbreak
The spread and impact of COVID-19 is wide-reaching and evolving daily. We are continuing to monitor the developments of the outbreak and how this affects our clients and our staff. We are taking the appropriate steps, as recommended by the CDC and WHO, to support the ongoing health and safety of our employees, their families, our clients and the surrounding communities. […]
IRS Free File is good option for many employees
Younger taxpayers who want to get a head start on filing their taxes can take advantage of IRS Free File. IRS Free File, which will open to taxpayers on Monday, Jan. 27, is available for taxpayers with modest incomes – less than $69,000 – making it the ideal solution for hourly employees and those still […]
IRS extends due dates for ACA reporting
The IRS has announced an extension to the reporting deadlines mandated by the Affordable Care Act for Tax Year 2019. The IRS has extended the 2020 deadline from January 31 to March 2 for employers and insurers to furnish individual statements on 2019 health coverage and full-time employee status. The additional time was given in […]
Creating a new employee retirement plan could mean a tax credit
If you have been considering creating a retirement plan for your employees, you should know about a valuable tax credit that is available. Employers may be able to claim a tax credit for some of the ordinary and necessary costs of starting a SEP, SIMPLE IRA or qualified retirement plan. The tax credit is 50 […]
Minimum wage increases add pressure to labor costs
With wages going up across the country, owner/operators must be sure to continue to place a priority on planning to try to offset the increased cost pressure as much as possible. Approximately 40 percent of the states will have minimum wage increases in 2019. Some are going up just a few cents (e.g., Alaska increasing […]
Disaster relief payments help employees and can save taxes
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Florence and Michael this fall, employers are asking how they can help their employees during these difficult times. One option that employers have is to make disaster relief payments to their employees. A disaster relief payment is any amount paid to or for the benefit of an individual to reimburse […]
Fall Kickoff Lunch | PHOTOS
The Varsity, Kona Ice and a cornhole tournament: not a bad way to spend the lunch hour. Our associates took a little time this week to celebrate the beginning of fall with our annual Fall Kickoff Lunch. Here are just a few photos from the day.
Direct deposit, pay cards best defense against fraud
It’s payday and the end of a shift at the quick-service restaurant. Employees begin filing out to their cars in the parking lot when one of them is approached by a man asking how much the employee got paid that week. The employee looks at his check and tells him he got paid $225. The […]