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DHS extends the exemption for the physical inspection of form I-9 to August 19th, 2020.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the exemption for the physical inspection of form I-9 documents is extended to August 19th, 2020. This exemption does not apply to employers that have employees physically present at a work location. Under the exemption, employers must complete the remote inspection of approved documents within three (3) business days End excerpt
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Revised FMLA Notice and Certifications published by DOL designed to streamline the process
The Department of Labor (DOL) revised its FMLA notice and certifications (attached). The DOL said the new forms are easier to understand and use and also include an electronic signature feature. Please note that earlier versions of the forms with expiration dates that have passed may still be used. Employees are eligible for FMLA if End excerpt
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Returning to Work Balancing Safety & Recovery
As states re-open and employees who haven’t been onsite slowly return to the workplace, employers are tasked with protecting the safety of their staff, customers, and vendors. Meanwhile, employees caring for children and other loved ones may need to extend their paid and unpaid leaves of absence; the surrounding leave laws are becoming more complicated than End excerpt
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Temporary Modifications to I-9 Process
Physical document inspection not required for remote workers during the pandemic The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will defer the requirements for employers to physically review I-9 documents in-person with new employees. This change applies only to employers and workplaces that are operating completely remotely. If there are any employees physically at the End excerpt
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Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses
Source: IRS.com New legislation ensures workers are not forced to choose between paychecks and their health amidst the global pandemic. The U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately End excerpt
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FMLA Expansion and Emergency Paid Leave
Yesterday, President Trump signed into law the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act”. This new law requires certain employers to provide emergency paid leave under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and emergency paid sick leave. The main components of the acts are below: Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act The law takes effect April End excerpt
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Form 1095-C or 1095-B Deadline Extended
Updated Deadlines The IRS has issued Notice 2019-63 extending the distribution deadline of Form 1095-B (Health Coverage) and Form 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) to employees from January 31, 2020 to March 2, 2020. It is important to note that the deadlines are not extended for filing Forms with the IRS. The deadlines End excerpt
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IRS Announces Higher 2020 Retirement Plan
The IRS has announced the inflation-adjusted figures for retirement account savings and other cost-of-living changes in Notice 2019-59 effective January 1, 2020. 2020 Highlights 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan: limits increased by $500 from $19,000 in 2019 to $19,500 in 2020 The catch-up contribution: limit for employees over End excerpt
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HSA Preventive Services Update
HSA plans can cover more preventive services prior to deductible being met after renewal this year. On July 17, 2019, the IRS released Notice 2019-45 providing guidance relating to health savings accounts (HSAs), specifically expanding the types of treatments and services that constitute preventive care. As a reminder, to be HSA-eligible, the individual must be End excerpt
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Reporting Requirement Under D.C. Individual Mandate
OTR NOTICE Under new tax guidance (Notice 2019-04), D.C. residents must have minimal essential health care coverage (MEC), have a coverage exemption, or pay a tax penalty for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2019. Insurance companies, business providing insurance to their employees, and other applicable entities are required to file information returns End excerpt