Author: Robert Hernandez

We received a complaint about harassment. How should we respond?   When a company suspects that an employee has violated its harassment or discrimination policy, we always recommend conducting a complete (and well-documented) investigation into the allegations. This includes speaking with the employee who made the complaint,...

21 October, 2019

Taxpayers should be aware of tax law changes related to alimony and separation payments. These payments are made after a divorce or separation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the rules around them, which will affect certain taxpayers when they file their 2019 tax...

18 October, 2019

Do you get paid an allowance for housing? Are you sure that it’s set up correctly? Double checking your housing allowance is an easy way to avoid annoying tax headaches later. In order to take a housing allowance, there needs to be proper documentation: A specific...

17 October, 2019

Can an employer force employees to use English at work? As more non-English-speaking employees enter the workforce, what problems do employers face with non-English speakers? The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says an English-only rule may violate civil-rights laws unless the employer can show the rule...

16 October, 2019

Today's case study looks at a small women's health clinic jointly owned by three OB/GYNs. Our example company employs four full-time nurse practitioners, two part-time nurse midwives, two part-time medical assistants, a part-time sonographer, and a very busy office manager. The practice faced the multiple challenges...

15 October, 2019

The IRS reminds employers that last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made changes to several programs that can affect an employer's bottom line and its employees' deductions. This includes employee achievement awards. Here are some facts about these changes: Under previous law:   Employers could deduct the...

11 October, 2019

What benefits does your church offer its employees?   This question tends to pop up a lot in job interviews—often right after the interviewer asks “Do you have any questions for me?”. And employee benefits are a fair thing to inquire about; most of us would like...

10 October, 2019

Do you allow your employees personal use of your company's equipment? If you do, consider your liability. Many employers, as a benefit, allow their employees personal use of company vehicles, equipment, and other property. For example, Ted, who owned a car dealership, let employees work on...

09 October, 2019

Your team members don't call their bank when they need to check their balance, they simply access their account from their smartphone. They also pick up concert tickets and book flights without ever speaking to an actual human being. Self-service access lets people manage their...

08 October, 2019