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From the HR Support Center: Can we share employee vaccination status with managers?

Can we share employee vaccination status with managers so they can enforce any policies based on that information, such as masking and social distancing? Yes. Obviously, managers will need this information if they are expected to enforce vaccination-dependent policies, and employers should train them on how...

22 July, 2021

Tax Implications of Accountable vs Non-Accountable Plans for Churches

If your Church is paying for your ministry-related expenses, it is important to know if you are being paid under an Accountable plan or a Non-Accountable plan. It has a huge impact on your 1040 taxes. Under an Accountable plan, you are reimbursed for expenses. If...

21 July, 2021

Training Staff to Keep Track of Their Time

How can you keep track of employee hours without going crazy? There are so many things to consider and more regulations every day. And now with the new overtime rules, more personnel who never had to track hours are going to be good and hopping...

20 July, 2021

How to Handle an Employee With a Substance Abuse Problem

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, "68.9% of the estimated 22.4 million illicit drug users, ages 18 or older, are employed full or part time." The chances of an employee having a substance abuse problem are higher in certain industries, such...

19 July, 2021

Errors employers should avoid when requesting advance payment of employer credits

Employers who are filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19 should read the instructions carefully and take their time when completing this form to avoid mistakes. Using a reputable tax preparer – including certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other knowledgeable tax professionals –...

16 July, 2021

From the HR Support Center: Do we need to pay a remote employee for travel time to the office?

We have a non-exempt employee who has been working from home. Do we need to pay her for time spent traveling to the office? She’s been asked to drop off some files during her normally scheduled work hours. Yes, in this situation, it is recommended paying...

15 July, 2021

Can churches classify paid workers as independent contractors?

Can churches classify paid workers as independent contractors to avoid paying FICA or withholding income taxes from them? No. Churches cannot classify paid workers as independent contractors in an effort to save money. They must follow the law. For a non-clergy employee, the church generally must withhold...

14 July, 2021

Overtime Pay: Beyond the 40-Hour Rule

Besides the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) regular overtime law, there are rules for overtime exemptions, fluctuating workweeks, weighted average and premium pay. Standard Overtime Nonexempt employees must receive overtime pay — at 1.5 times their regular rate of pay — for working over 40 hours in...

13 July, 2021

Six Tips to Improve Company Morale

Have you ever worked in a company that was having a morale-boosting initiative? Remember the tense hush that fell in the conference room when it was announced? The meaning-laden glances the employees shot each other? They were all picturing the same things: Mandatory after-work happy...

12 July, 2021

Looking ahead: How the American Rescue Plan affects 2021 taxes, part 2

This is the second of two tax tips providing an overview of ways the American Rescue Plan may affect some people’s 2021 taxes. Part 1 is available on IRS.gov. Changes expanding EITC for 2021 and beyond New law changes expand the EITC for 2021 and future years....

09 July, 2021