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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

From the HR Support Center: Can we require employees to have childcare if they work from home?

We do not recommend having a policy that stipulates childcare is necessary. For one thing, in practice, it often isn’t necessary. Lots of employees are able to do their jobs just fine while supervising children in the home. Imposing this requirement (and a huge financial...

08 July, 2021

What organizations should understand about applying for tax-exempt status

Organizations that want to apply for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code use a Form 1023-series application. Here are some tips to help them understand the process. • The application process on IRS.gov includes a step-by-step guide explaining how to apply...

07 July, 2021

5 Often-Overlooked Time-Off Benefits

Below are five types of employee leave that sometimes fly under employers’ radar: 1. Bereavement leave Bereavement leave lets employees take time off to mourn the loss of a loved one — usually an immediate family member or a close relative. Employees can use the time off...

06 July, 2021