How does the American Rescue Plan Act impact employers?
The latest Covid-relief bill – the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) – was signed into law by President Biden, and it provides several provisions specifically beneficial to restaurant owners and to small business owners and individuals in general. Much of the ARPA extends and expands on the provisions from earlier Covid-relief […]
How does the American Rescue Plan help restaurant owners?
The latest Covid-relief bill – the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) – was signed into law by President Biden, and it provides several provisions specifically beneficial to restaurant owners and to small business owners and individuals in general. Much of the ARPA extends and expands on the provisions from earlier Covid-relief […]
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 […]
Steer clear of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
If you own or manage a business with employees, you may be at risk for a severe tax penalty. It’s called the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty” because it applies to the Social Security and income taxes required to be withheld by a business from its employees’ wages. Because the taxes are considered property of the […]
IRS: PPP loan expenses not deductible
The IRS issued new guidance April 30 evening clarifying how the expenses paid with the loan proceeds through the Paycheck Protection Program are to be treated for tax purposes. According to the IRS, the forgivable portion of a PPP loan will not be included as gross income and will not be subject to taxation. However, […]
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 […]
What businesses need to know about the new CARES Act
The third coronavirus relief package – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) – has been passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. The CARES Act contains provisions designed to help both businesses and individuals. Click here to read about the provisions affecting individuals. Below is a look at those provisions […]
Overtime rules could bring higher labor costs in the new year
New overtime rules that are expected to go into effect at the first of the year could have a significant impact on employers’ labor costs. There are several components to the final rules issued in September by the U.S. Department of Labor, but the provision that raises the standard salary level for employees to be […]
Employers to submit detailed pay data to EEOC
Employers will have until the end of September to submit more detailed pay data to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Employers with 100 or more employees were already required to submit pay data – Component 1 data – to the EEOC by May 31. The Component 1 data breaks down the number of workers employed […]
Prepare your business now ahead of Hurricane Florence
Millions are preparing for Hurricane Florence, which is scheduled to strike the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina in the coming days. But what happens after the storm? While no one can control the path and strength of the storm, as a business owner, you can take some steps now that will make it […]