As the COVID-19 vaccine has become readily available, and many employers contemplate employees returning to the office to work, both employers and employees have accelerated demands for new and permanent remote work location arrangements for a variety of jobs. Employers across the country are revisiting their business strategies, employment policies, and related legal and tax
Withholding
COVID-19 And Late Remittances of Employee Deferrals to 401(k) Plans
Many employers facing economic challenges because of COVID-19 have considered several possibilities for reducing their contributions to their 401(k) plans. Whether freezing safe harbor matching or nonelective contributions or deciding against making discretionary matching and/or profit-sharing contributions, the goal has been the same: reduce their employee benefits costs.
What many employers have not focused on…
IRS Releases Proposed Form W-4 Redesign
On Friday, May 31, 2019, the IRS released a new proposed design of the IRS Form W-4 to be used starting in 2020. The goal is to make it easier for employees to calculate accurate withholdings under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Employees who already have completed a Form W-4 will not be…
To Withhold or Not to Withhold on Pension Distributions: A New Proposed Regulation Clarifies Obligations
On May 31, the IRS issued a proposed regulation — presented in Q & A format — concerning income tax withholding obligations on non-rollover distributions from employer-sponsored plans — including pension, annuity, profit sharing, stock bonus and any other deferred compensation plan — to destinations outside the U.S. Unlike U.S. payees, non-U.S. payees cannot elect…
A Quick Form W-4 Reminder for Employers: May 10, 2019 Deadline for Updates
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) significantly changed the federal income tax rules. Several of these changes impact income tax withholding, including changes to the tax rates and brackets, increasing the standard deduction, and eliminating personal exemptions.
Normally, employees must provide their employers with an updated Form W-4 within 10 days of…
Outsourcing Payroll? IRS Guidance Helps Employers Understand Their Rights and Responsibilities
Many employers decide to outsource their payroll administration to third-party vendors. Many employers who decide to hire a third-party vendor anticipate that the vendor understands how to fill out the forms necessary to the reporting of income and employment taxes; comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act reporting obligations; and to properly calculate…