Among the many lasting effects of the pandemic is that some businesses are allowing employees to continue working from home — even now that the most acute phases of the public health crisis seem to be over in some places. This decision is raising some interesting questions about fringe benefits. For example, in IRS Information […]
No parking: Unused compensation reductions can’t go to health FSA Read More »
In recent years, more and more businesses have increased efforts to support the well-being of their employees. This means not only providing health care benefits but also offering other initiatives designed to help workers cope with challenges such as substance dependence, financial planning, legal woes, and mental health issues. Among the options usually considered is
ERISA and EAPs: What’s the deal? Read More »
The use of a company vehicle is a valuable fringe benefit for owners and employees of small businesses. This perk results in tax deductions for the employer as well as tax breaks for the owners and employees using the cars. (And of course, they get the nontax benefit of getting a company car.) Plus, current
Providing a company car? Here’s how taxes are handled Read More »
With the increasing cost of employee health care benefits, your business may be interested in providing some of these benefits through an employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA). For eligible individuals, an HSA offers a tax-advantaged way to set aside funds (or have their employers do so) to meet future medical needs. Here are the important
Would you like to establish a Health Savings Account for your small business? Read More »
Employers offer 401(k) plans for many reasons, including attracting and retaining talent. These plans help an employee accumulate a retirement nest egg on a tax-advantaged basis. If you’re thinking about participating in a plan at work, here are some of the features. Under a 401(k) plan, you have the option of setting aside a certain
Thinking about participating in your employer’s 401(k) plan? Here’s how it works Read More »
Employer-provided life insurance is a coveted fringe benefit. However, if group term life insurance is part of your benefits package, and the coverage is higher than $50,000, there may be undesirable income tax implications. Tax on income you don’t receive. The first $50,000 of group term life insurance coverage that your employer provides is excluded
Does your employer provide life insurance? Here are the tax consequences Read More »
For businesses, so much has changed over the past year or so. The COVID-19 pandemic hit suddenly and companies were forced to react quickly — sending many employees home to work remotely and making myriad other tweaks and revisions to their processes. Understandably, you may not have fully documented all the changes you’ve made. But
Look at your employee handbook with fresh eyes Read More »
Many businesses provide education fringe benefits so their employees can improve their skills and gain additional knowledge. An employee can receive, on a tax-free basis, up to $5,250 each year from his or her employer for educational assistance under a “qualified educational assistance program.” For this purpose, “education” means any form of instruction or training
Providing education assistance to employees? Follow these rules Read More »
Over the past year, the importance of leadership at every level of a business has been emphasized. When a crisis such as a pandemic hits, it creates a sort of stress test for not only business owners and executives but also supervisors of departments and workgroups. Among the most important skill sets of any leader
Are your supervisors adept at multigenerational management? Read More »
This year, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business decreased by one-and-one-half cents, to 56 cents per mile. As a result, you might claim a lower deduction for vehicle-related expenses for 2021 than you could for 2020 or 2019. This is the second year in
The cents-per-mile rate for business miles decreases again for 2021 Read More »
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