June 2009
July 24, 2009 - Federal Minimum Wage will increase over 10% from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour
Employment Agency Hit with $5.8 Million in Taxes and Penalties
If fraud is involved in not paying enough tax, you could be penalized up to 75% of the tax underpayment. At LAI, we guarantee against tax fraud fines by assuming liability for your tax reporting. Read more about Hi-Q Personnel, Inc. v. Commissioner.
Company Ordered to Pay $85,000 for Canceling Health Insurance
Are you correctly classifying your employees whether they are virtual or in-house staff? On May 11, 2009, a judge ordered Care Centers, Inc. to compensate a former employee for $85,000 after she went on FMLA leave and her status was wrongly changed.
Read more about how the employer was fined and publicly chastised for improper status and benefits management in Ryl-Kuchar v. Care Centers, Inc.
July 1, 2009 - E-Verify Required for all Georgia Contractors
Beginning July 1, 2007, all public employers and state contractors (including subcontractors) with 500 or more employees were required to use E-Verify to check the status of all newly-hired employees starting July 1, 2007.
As of July 1, 2008, this mandate applied to companies with 100 or more employees and who have state contracts or subcontracts. All other employers with state contracts or subcontracts must start using E-Verify for newly-hired employees starting July 1, 2009.
Since January 1, 2008, a Georgia employer may not claim a state income tax deduction for wages of $600 or more paid to an individual who does not have authorization to work.
IRS Releases Revised Form 941, Instructions
Most notably, the instructions for Lines 12a (COBRA premium assistance payments) and 12b (Number of individuals provided COBRA premium assistance on Line 12a) have changed. Read more about Revised Form 941.
Don't get bogged down in the details, let our payroll and benefits experts manage them for you. Contact us today at (770) 248-0401 or ken@laihr.com.
IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2010
The IRS has issued guidance on the 2010 maximum contribution levels for health savings accounts and out-of-pocket spending limits for high deductible health plans that must be used in conjunction with HSAs. Rev. Proc. 2009-29. Learn about the details of 2010 HSA Limits.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
While the FLSA is not new, pressure and criticism from Congressional committees on wage and hour enforcement (governing requirements for overtime pay, minimum wage, and child labor) have been harsh.
The Department of Labor is responding by hiring 150 additional wage and hour enforcement representatives and has recently posted job openings in North Texas.
Periodic assessments of job duties, responsibilities, and classifications is critical for compliance. Our HR audit team has a proven track record of reducing embarrassing liabilities and significant fines.
Read about a case that helps clarify an FLSA exemption.
Decrease your legal risk today by learning more about LAI"s services at www.laihr.com or calling ken@laihr.com.
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAA)
This law, effective earlier this year, expands the definition of 'disability', considers impairments controlled by medicine or otherwise to still be covered disabilities and expands the interpretation of 'major life activity'.
What does this mean for you?
- Verify job descriptions differentiate between essential and non-essential functions
- Properly engage in a highly interactive process with employees who may need accommodations to perform essential job functions
- Obtain help before taking disciplinary action or considering reasonable work accommodations
Ask our HR team how you can ensure all legal and ethical steps are taken to comply with the ADAA and other laws. E-mail or call us at 770. 248.0401 today.
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