July 2017
Stay Current Newsletter
art1What is the Latest Healthcare Reform News?

As we publish this newsletter, headlines continue to be made as Senate Republican leaders plan to unveil yet another revised healthcare bill. It is expected the Senate will delay their August recess to complete and present a new bill as early as this week, with a vote to be held next week.  While we do not know what the revised bill will contain , a draft proposal of the Better Care Reconciliation Act that was released on June 22 can be read here.
 
As the healthcare debate continues with our friends, co-workers and government, we ask that everyone be open-minded to the opinions of others. Rather than allow these issues to divide, "seek first to understand" and avoid the tendency to judge or label.
 
As always, we will monitor events as they unfold and keep you informed. In the meantime, we continue business as usual under the ACA.


art2Employers Must Withhold Tax for High Earners

The Affordable Care Act's Additional Medicare Tax applies to an individual's wages that exceed a threshold amount based on his or her filing status ($250,000 for married taxpayers who file jointly, $125,000 for married taxpayers who file separately and $200,000 for all other taxpayers). The following are five important things employers need to know about the Additional Medicare Tax:

1. Employers are required to withhold Additional Medicare Tax (at a rate of 0.9%) on wages or compensation paid to an employee in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year.

2. An employer has this withholding obligation even though an employee may not be liable for Additional Medicare Tax because, for example, the employee's wages do not exceed the applicable threshold for his or her filing status. Any withheld Additional Medicare Tax will be credited against the total tax liability shown on the individual's income tax return.

3. Employers are not required to notify an employee when they begin withholding Additional Medicare Tax.

4. There is no employer match for Additional Medicare Tax.

5. An employer that does not deduct and withhold Additional Medicare Tax as required is liable for the tax unless the tax that it failed to withhold from the employee's wages is paid by the employee
.

Click here for more information from the IRS.


Article reprinted with permission from HR360.com

art3HR Done Right Blog - Lessons Learned from Employers Violating Pregnancy Workplace Laws 


Pregnancy discrimination involves treating a woman (either an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Two recent cases highlight the consequences for employers who are found in violation of pregnancy workplace laws.

Click here to read the HR Done Right blog.


art4Harassment Prevention Training

Some California employers are required to complete mandatory training under California AB1825. This interactive, in person training session will be facilitated by HR Done Right's certified harassment prevention trainer, Julie Worley. This training meets AB1825 compliance requirements. Whether or not your business must comply with AB1825, this program is beneficial for all business owners, supervisors and HR professionals.

Wednesday August 16, 2017

8:15 AM Registration
8:30- 10:30 AM Training

Register today- this popular class will fill up quickly!

art5Office Closure: Benefits Done Right Team Appreciation Day 

Our office will be closed Friday, August 11, 2017, as we recognize the hard work of our employees at our annual Team BDR Appreciation Day.

We will process and respond to all email, faxes and voicemails promptly when normal business hours resume at 7:30 AM on Monday, August 14, 2017.

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