By using the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), employers can save money on their income or payroll taxes. To qualify, you just have to give employees a short questionnaire. Then, the employee must get WOTC-certified by your State Workforce Agency (SWA). Through the WOTC, you... The post How the WOTC Works appeared first on Payroll Partners ..read more

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provides employees with continued access to health insurance coverage, helping them bridge the gap between losing employer-sponsored health coverage and finding alternative plans. COBRA is used so that employees can continue with insurance under circumstances — job loss, reduction... The post COBRA benefits: Make Sure You’re in Compliance appeared first on Payroll Partners ..read more

In a grant landscape that can be challenging for faith-based organizations, Lilly Endowment stands out as a funder that provides some opportunities specifically for churches. One such grant is The Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary, designed to strengthen congregations by providing a guided sabbatical for their pastor. These clergy renewal periods are not meant to be vacations, but rather times for renewal and reflection filled with purposeful activities. The Endowment considers the diverse needs of each pastor and congregation ..read more

Most workers have access to unpaid, job-protected leave through the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA, which became law in 1993, was intended to offer some stability for employees who needed to take time away from work to deal with a major medical issue. Previously, there had been no federal protection for workers. The FMLA guarantees up to 12 weeks of leave, but the time is unpaid. Companies with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from the FMLA. Many states have thus decided to require employers to provide employees with some income while they are out on leave. Most of this ..read more

These days, “payroll” does not just mean how and when you pay employees. With so many complicated labor laws, state and federal regulations, and statutory requirements, the payroll process encompasses compliance, optimizes processes and sets guidelines to retain satisfied employees. Payroll systems help you successfully establish payroll management as a strategic imperative for your business in the following ways: They minimize payroll mess ups, which upset your employees and harm your company’s image. They make your payroll easier to process and more efficient. They manage payroll taxes for ..read more

On May 9, 2024, the IRS released Rev. Proc. 2024-25, announcing the 2025 health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) inflation-adjusted amounts: Annual HSA contribution limits: Self-coverage only: $4,300 ($150 increase from 2024) Family coverage: $8,550 ($250 increase from 2024) Annual catch-up contribution maximum remains unchanged at $1,000 for HSA-eligible individuals age 55 or older Minimum annual HDHP deductible: Self-coverage only: $1,650 ($50 increase from 2024) Family coverage: $3,300 ($100 increase from 2024) Maximum annual HDHP out-of-pocket ex ..read more

Question:  We are looking to implement formal training programs. What types of training would you recommend we have for all employees? Answered by the HR Experts:  Employee training is going to vary from industry to industry, but there are some types of training we recommend for all employers: Harassment prevention training explains what harassment is and how to avoid it, how to recognize inappropriate and unlawful behavior, and what the proper channels are for reporting concerns. Harassment prevention training is required in certain cities and states. Workplace safety training ..read more

As we tie a bow on Q2 and many organizations move into a new fiscal year, it’s likely about time for you to review your Staff Handbook again. Looking over all the policies in your handbook, evaluate not only if they are compliant but if they truly line up with your culture and trajectory. Here are a few of the most important areas to review: State and Local Laws Especially if your organization operates or has employees in multiple states or jurisdictions, review the updates to the labor laws of each and ensure your policies are still compliant. As a rule, align all policies with the strictest ..read more

Question:  If an employee runs out of paid time off, do we have to allow them to take unpaid time off? Answer:  It depends on why your employee needs the unpaid time off and what you’ve done in the past. In some situations, such as those that would be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, or a similar state law, the employee may be legally entitled to unpaid leave. In those cases, you would need to approve the unpaid leave at least to the extent required by the applicable laws. In the absence of any legal requirem ..read more

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that employees receive a federal minimum wage in exchange for their work. However, did you know that workers in the foodservice industry are not always paid an hourly minimum wage? Why is that? Essentially, within the foodservice industry, workers earn gratuities from customers as a way of thanking the workers for a job well done. These gratuities are given to workers in addition to the cash wages they already earn per hour. As a result, the FLSA allows employers to pay tipped workers a lower hourly wage because a large portion of their pay stems fr ..read more