'Tis the Season for Change...
As nominations and appointments to crucial governmental positions are filled, the pace of policy change will likely accelerate. NFC wants to make sure your business is prepared to hit the ground running in 2018. Below is a list of the top priorities employers should focus on to prepare for the New Year.
Please email or call us at 973.665.9100 should you need any assistance in preparing your business for 2018.
TAX LAW CHANGES AFFECTING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
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Affordable Care Act (ACA) Individual Mandate Repealed : This may eventually affect certain reporting by employers, but the employer mandate was not repealed and large employers must continue to comply with this portion of the ACA. The first “pay or play” penalty notices have just been issued by the IRS.

Dependent Care FSA, Adoption Assistance and Qualified Education Assistance Programs all survived in their current form. Although the initial House bill eliminated these tax-free benefits, they remain intact as part of the new tax law.

Tax Credit for Paid Family Leave: There will be an employer tax credit for federally-required paid family and medical leave equal to a sliding scale of the employee’s wages (12.5%-25%). This does not apply to family leave required by state or local governments.

Employer-Provided Commuter Benefits: No longer deductible by employers.

Employee Achievement Awards: No longer eligible for tax-free treatment.
HARASSMENT CLAIMS
Ensure that your organization is up to date on providing “Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination” training and that your team is prepared to respond to sexual harassment complaints effectively. We also recommend coaching employees in “upstander” behavior to prevent inappropriate conduct from escalating.

CLICK HERE to register for NFC’s upcoming live webinar on January 10th, "Sexual Harassment Complaints are Surging: What's a Good Employer to Do?"
SALARY HISTORY BAN RESTRICTIONS
Review your hiring practices and compensation strategies to make certain they comply with salary history ban restrictions in jurisdictions where your organization operates or recruits. Note: The NYC Salary History Ban went into effect on October 31, 2017.

 CLICK HERE to view NFC's pre-recorded webinar, "Salary History Bans: What is Prohibited and How Do You Comply?"
NEW YORK PAID FAMILY LEAVE LAW (NYPFL)
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Effective January 1, 2018, private employers in New York State, and private employers outside of New York State with New York employees, are required to comply with the NYPFL.

CLICK HERE for details on how to comply with the NYPFL.
PREPARE FOR WORKPLACE ISSUES RELATED TO LGBTQ AND TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEES
Many states and localities have enacted laws expressly prohibiting employment discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Make sure your company promotes a safe and legally-compliant workplace for LGBTQ and Transgender employees by:
  • Creating and updating relevant employment policies and practices.
  • Revising employee handbooks and benefits plans.
  • Ensuring access to restrooms and other facilities.
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Using proper names and pronouns.
  • Implementing gender-neutral dress codes.
  • Addressing challenges with other employees and coworkers.

CLICK HERE to view NFC's pre-recorded webinar, "Beyond the Bathroom: Best Practices for Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace."
Please email or call us at 973.665.9100 should you need any assistance in preparing your business for 2018.
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