US Tax News 2005 Archive - Sponsored by HRD & Payroll Solutions



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29 December 2005

Georgia: $25 Million Tax Cut for Employers

Washington: New unemployment tax forms required from quarterly filers



22 December 2005

Employee Plan News: Winter 2005 issue available

Michigan: Consulting firm fined for advising employer to avoid unemployment taxes

Nebraska: Workers' Compensation - mileage reimbursement rate

New Hampshire: Workers' Compensation - mileage reimbursement rate

New Jersey: Employers required to Notify Employees of Earned Income Tax Credit Eligibility



15 December 2005

Employer costs for employee compensation: Statistics for September 2005 published

Deferrals under nonqualified deferred compensation plans: Reporting and withholding requirements suspended for 2005

Interest Rates: Interest rates for overpayments and underpayments

Arizona: Withholding tax holiday each December

Colorado: Comprehensive labor law resource guide

Connecticut: Withholding tax for employees in civil unions

Hawaii: Department Of Taxation Reduces Booklet Mailing Costs

Illinois: Lower unemployment insurance rates for 88% of Illinois employers



8 December 2005

2006 Standard Mileage Rates: Business mileage rate falls to 44½ cents

Proposed regulations to safeguard taxpayer information: Disclosure and use requires taxpayer consent

DOL improves accessibility of compliance guidance: Compliance Assistance Portal redesigned

Kentucky: Tax relief for Kentucky tornado and storm victims

Rhode Island: UI and TDI wage bases and tax rates set for 2006

South Carolina: Paying withholding payments

Texas: Unemployment Insurance tax rates decrease for most employers

Washington: No general increase in 2006 workers' compensation rates



1 December 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Health club to pay nearly $50,000 in back wages and penalties

Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

IRS warns of tax refunds scam: "Phishing" by e-mail

SSA/IRS Reporter: Fall 2005 issue available

Retirement News for Employers: Fall 2005 issue available

Workplace parties during the holiday season: DOL encourages a safe and sober approach

Minnesota: 2006 unemployment insurance tax rates

Mississippi: 2005 Annual Information Return Form 89-140

New Hampshire: Recently passed labor laws become effective January 2006

New Jersey: More than $500,000 recovered in wages owed to New Jersey workers

New Jersey: Post-Retirement Contributions to 403(b) Plan

North Carolina: Employers may reduce 2006 UI tax rates



24 November 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Computer staffing firm to pay $2.65 million in back wages and penalties

Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Changes to forms and publications: Cautions and notices about document changes

Health Savings Accounts: Relief for health plans that do not permit contributions to HSAs

Health Savings Accounts: Eligibility during a cafeteria plan grace period

Qualified retirement plans: Date for compliance with a reforming plan amendment extended

Colorado: New wage withholding tables published

Connecticut: Magnetic media specifications for 2005

Massachusetts: Tax relief for Massachusetts storm victims



17 November 2005

Indiana: Tax relief for Indiana tornado and storm victims

New Hampshire: Tax relief for storm victims

Oregon: Unemployment insurance tax

West Virginia: Workers' compensation - mileage reimbursement

Wisconsin: Withholding tax rates



10 November 2005

U.S. Supreme Court rules on working time: Includes time spent putting on and taking off protective equipment

Enforcing labor rights: DOL recovers over $44,000 for restaurant workers

Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Social Security taxes: Social Security taxes

Clean-fuel vehicle deduction: Ford and Mercury vehicles certified

Six-month automatic tax-filing extensions: Simplified procedures introduced from January 2006

Massachusetts: New WCI enforcement tool proposed

Minnesota: Interest rates and individual income tax brackets for 2006

Missouri: Reduction in Second Injury Fund Surcharge

New Mexico: Personal income tax rates

Ohio: Tax amnesty begins January 1, 2006

Ohio: Workers' compensation premium rate reduction for public employers



3 November 2005

Justice Department settles lawsuit over employment of reservist: Employer discharged reservist and failed to reemploy

Help from DOL for those affected by Hurricane Wilma: Deadline extended for form 5500

Enforcing labor rights: Construction company pays $163,782 in back wages to 44 ironworkers

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Forms and publications: Changes to tax forms and publications

Withholding for nonresident alien employees performing services within the US: Revised procedures from January 2006

Nonresident Alien individuals with earnings below personal exemption amount: Filing requirement removed with effect from 2006 tax year

Tax rates and deduction rates for 2006: Inflation adjustments widen tax brackets

California: Unemployment Insurance and State Disability Insurance rates for 2006

Florida: Help for those affected by Hurricane Wilma



27 October 2005

Tax Relief Granted for Hurricane Wilma Victims: Deadlines postponed to February 28, 2006

IRS Launches Abusive Transaction Settlement Initiative: Settlement deadline of January 23, 2006

"In-kind wage payment" scheme barred by Court: Fraudulent scheme avoids federal employment taxes

Employment statistics: 2.7% year-on-year increase in usual weekly earnings

Employment statistics: County employment and wages

Prevailing wages suspension in Katrina disaster area: Davis-Bacon Act to be reinstated from November 8

Enforcing labor rights: Landscaping firm to pay $45,000 for overtime and child labor violations

Pennsylvania: Employer sentenced for Workers' Compensation violations



20 October 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Race car manufacturer to pay $351,000 in back wages to 214 employees

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues



13 October 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Assets of contractor garnished to compel payment of $120,000 judgment

Forms and publications: Changes to tax forms and publications

Alaska: New online services for employers

Arkansas: 2006 compensation rates announced



6 October 2005

Business expenses incurred while traveling: Per diem allowances and an optional method of calculating deductible costs

American Samoa: Minimum wage increase for some industries

Florida: Minimum wage to increase from January 2006

Oregon: Workers' compensation insurance premiums

Texas: Workers' compensation and House Bill 7

Washington: Minimum wage to increase from January 2006

West Virginia: Privatization of Workers' Compensation



29 September 2005

Deadline extended for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Returns and payments now due by February 28, 2006

Relief for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Rita: Filing and payment deadline is February 28, 2006

Leave donation program: Businesses and charities promote the scheme to help Hurricane Katrina victims

Further help from DOL for those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Deadline extended further for form 5500

Employee Plan News: Leave donation program featured

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Alabama: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Florida: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Louisiana: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Mississippi: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Nebraska: NWCC to implement electronic filing of Proof of Coverage information

Nebraska: Mileage reimbursement rate

New Hampshire: Mileage Reimbursement Rate Increase

Texas: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina



22 September 2005

Further help from IRS for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Relief area and reporting dates extended

Further help from IRS for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Withdrawals and loans from retirement plans

Further help from DOL for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Deadline extended for form 5500

Employer costs for employee compensation: Statistics for June 2005 published

Forms and publications: Substitute Forms W-2 and W-3

Alabama: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Connecticut: Maximum workers' compensation rates

Florida: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Florida: Annual report and Proof of Coverage EDI reporting

Illinois: New protection for day laborers

Indiana: Tax Amnesty shows early results

Indiana: Mileage reimbursement rate for workers' compensation

Louisiana: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Mississippi: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina



15 September 2005

Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Filing and payment deadlines extended to January 3, 2006

Prevailing Wages: Federal contractors may pay lower rates in Katrina disaster area

Employer Leave-Based Donation Programs: Treatment of cash payments for income and employment tax purposes

Forms and publications: Changes to tax forms and publications

2005 Standard mileage rates: Increases to reflect fuel price rises

Enforcing labor rights: Caterers to pay over $1 Million in back wages and penalties

Oregon: Minimum Wage to Increase from January 1, 2006

Pennsylvania: Four employers sentenced for Workers' Compensation violations

South Carolina: Minimum threshold for withholding to increase from 2006

West Virginia: Injunctions filed against employers by Workers' Compensation Commission



8 September 2005

Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: Relief area expanded

Enforcing labor rights: Over $322,000 in Back Wages for 118 Contract Workers

Cafeteria plans and W-2 reporting requirements: Providing a grace period for qualified dependent care assistance

Alabama: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Florida: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Louisiana: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Massachusetts: Average Weekly Wage Computation Schedule

Mississippi: Further help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Missouri: Over $500,000 in restitution due workers in prevailing wage case

Nevada: The "Workers' Compensation Myth"

New Jersey: Unemployment and disability compensation levels for 2006

New Jersey: $500,000 in back wages recovered for 1,000 workers

Ohio: 2005 Workers' Compensation fraud results



1 September 2005

Help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina: IRS and DOL announce aid packages

Interest Rates: Interest rates for overpayments and underpayments

Form 5500 Annual Reports: Proposals to file reports electronically from 2008

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

SSA/IRS Reporter: Fall 2005 issue available

Alabama: Help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

California: Latest issue of California Employer published

Illinois: 2005 Prevailing Wage Act Changes

Louisiana: Help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina

Mississippi: Help for those affected by Hurricane Katrina



25 August 2005

Survey of employee benefits in private industry: Over 50% participate in medical care and retirement plans

Enforcing labor rights: School districts pay $729,477 in back wages to 433 employees

Forms and publications: Changes to tax forms and publications



18 August 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Sales representatives to get $89,622 in back overtime

Teachers encouraged to save receipts for classroom supplies: Current deduction to expire at end of 2005

New Jersey: $590,000 in June from state labor law enforcement



11 August 2005

State unemployment insurance tax: $5 million in grants towards prevention of SUTA Dumping schemes

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Priority Guidance Plan for 2005-2006: IRS announces tax issues to be addressed

Alabama: State SUTA Dumping Prevention Act becomes law

Hawaii: Semi-weekly withholding remittance due date

Indiana: Tax amnesty starts September 15



4 August 2005

TeleFile to be discontinued: IRS program for telephone filing ends August 16

Tool allowances paid under an accountable plan: Requirements for exemption from withholding and employment taxes

Compliance with accountable plan rules: Requests for administrative relief where rules are unduly burdensome

Enforcing labor rights: Puerto Rico hotel to pay over $282,000 in back wages and damages



28 July 2005

New Spanish-language compliance assistance resources: Help in understanding federal employment laws and regulations

Enforcing labor rights: $720,000 in overtime pay for 110 convenience store employees

Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate: Update to specifications for filing electronically or magnetically



21 July 2005

Enforcing labor rights: Over $1 million in back wages recovered for 2,500 health insurance employees

Arizona: Employers may choose not to withhold tax each December

Florida: Tax relief for hurricane victims



14 July 2005

Signatures on employment tax returns: IRS to accept facsimile signatures to simplify filing

Need to Balance Taxpayer Service with Enforcement: National Taxpayer Advocate reports to Congress

Enforcing labor rights: Restaurants pay employees $200,000 in overtime back wages

Hawaii: Increases in minimum wage rate approved

West Virginia: Results of the 2004 Amnesty Program announced



7 July 2005

Enforcing labor rights: $223,000 recovered in back wages for employees in national leather business

New Jersey: State minimum wage increase in October 2005

Ohio: Income tax rate cut for tax year 2005



30 June 2005

Clean-fuel vehicle deduction: Toyota Highlander Hybrid certified

Enforcing labor rights: Hospital pays 105 workers more than $100,000 in overtime back wages

Employee Plans News: Latest issue of Employee Plans News available

Iowa: Changes in direct deposit for employers



23 June 2005

Enforcing labor rights: $1.3 Million in back wages for 3,400 hospital employees

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Pennsylvania: Bill signed to outlaw SUTA dumping

Tennessee: New legislation outlaws SUTA dumping



16 June 2005

New Jersey: Over $250,000 collected in wages due to employees

North Carolina: Solving Unemployment Tax avoidance



9 June 2005

Interest Rates: Interest rates for overpayments and underpayments

Enforcing labor rights: Grocery Store operator cited for violations of federal employment laws

Connecticut: Mandatory electronic filing for tax preparers



2 June 2005

Deductions for entertainment use of corporate aircraft: Interim guidance on deductible expenses until regulations are effective

Enforcing labor rights: Over $53,000 in back wages for nurses employed by temporary staffing firm

SSA/IRS Reporter: Summer 2005 issue available

Wisconsin: New minimum wage rates from June 2005



26 May 2005

Treasury and IRS Propose Regulations on Retirement Plans: Consolidation of 25 years-worth of changes in the law

Enforcing labor rights: Over $120,000 recovered for 52 salaried and hourly employees

Massachusetts: 3% Workers' Compensation rate cut

Minnesota: New minimum wage rates from August 2005



19 May 2005

Prohibition of deferred compensation for Cafeteria Plans: Grace period allowed following end of plan year

More accessible tax statistics: Improvements to information on individuals, businesses, charities, and IRS operations

Standards for written tax advice: Clarification in several areas of guidance

Enforcing labor rights: $33,000 in back wages for restaurant workers

Per Diem rates: New version of publication 1542 available



12 May 2005

Enforcing labor rights: $730,000 in back wages for 319 employees of property management company

DOL Opinion Letters: Guidance on specific FLSA issues

Clean-fuel vehicle deduction: Lexus Hybrid certified

Payroll Supervisor sentenced for stealing more than $200,000: Fraud involved the issuing of more than 440 unauthorised checks

Texas: Texas Workforce Commission recover more than $5.3 Million in unpaid wages



5 May 2005

IRS announces new records for 2005 filing season: Over a half of all taxpayers filed electronically

Enforcing labor rights: $37,725 in back overtime wages for seven office workers

Minnesota: July 2005 Unemployment Insurance reporting changes



28 April 2005

New Retirement Plan resource guide for small businesses: Help in setting up and maintaining IRA-based retirement plans

Income tax treaty with Bulgaria: Negotiations to start during 2005

Enforcing labor rights: $92,987 in Back Wages for employees of a chain of nursing homes



21 April 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Financial services company pays more than $237,000 in back wages



14 April 2005

Potentially questionable W-4 withholding forms: Handling requirements for employers relaxed

Undisclosed listed transactions: Limitations period on assessment of tax extended

UK pension arrangements for tax treaty benefits: Definition of UK pension schemes agreed

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Nearly $2 million in back wages for over 9,000 hospital employees

Forms and Publications: Changes to tax forms and publications



7 April 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Over $71,000 in back wages for restaurant workers

Forms and Publications: Changes to tax forms and publications

Payments to employees under accident and health plans: Are payments under a reimbursement plan excludable from gross income?

IRS Invites Taxpayers to Apply for Taxpayer Panel: Help improve the nation's tax agency!

Arkansas: Alternative forms for submitting wage reports



31 March 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: $80,000 in back wages for Korean restaurant workers

Utah: Help for employers and employees with employment rights and obligations

West Virginia: Filing withholding tax returns online



24 March 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Penalties for youth employment law violations

Forms and Publications: Changes to tax forms and publications

2005-2006 Guidance Priority List: Public comment invited on items that should be included



17 March 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Back wages and liquidated damages for employees

Executive Stock Option Settlement Initiative: IRS offers opportunity to resolve tax issues and save litigation costs

Frivolous tax arguments: IRS directs taxpayers to steer clear of abusive tax-avoidance schemes



10 March 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: Back wages and liquidated damages for employees

Industry Issue Resolution Program: Latest deadline for submissions is March 31, 2005



3 March 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Enforcing labor rights: A busy period for the DOL's Wage and Hour Division

DOL Opinion Letters: Clarification of the application of FLSA rules

Interest rates: Interest rates for overpayments and underpayments

E-filing running at record pace: "Taxpayers and tax professionals increasingly comfortable with e-filing"

The 2005 Dirty Dozen tax scams: Taxpayers warned about schemes that sound too good to be true

Roth contributions to 401(k) plans: Proposed rules for amending and administering plans

Minnesota: Automated services for Unemployment Insurance program



24 February 2005

Changes to tax forms and publications: Quarterly Federal tax return redesigned

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Iowa: Revenue Department issues new withholding tax tables



17 February 2005

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation



10 February 2005

Changes to tax forms and publications: Caution about Form 1040NR-EZ Instructions

$2 billion for people who have not filed a 2001 tax return: Deadline for filing is April 15, 2005

Clean-fuel vehicle deduction: Honda vehicles certified

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

DOL action to enforce labor rights: $82,413 in Back Pay for 21 Administrative Workers

Flat Rate Supplemental Wage Withholding: Comments requested on the proposed rules

Minnesota: Unemployment Insurance reporting changes



3 February 2005

Changes to tax forms and publications: Several notices and cautions issued

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

DOL action to enforce labor rights: $381,000 in overtime back pay for casino employee

Social Security prepares for Administrative Wage Garnishment: First garnishment orders due in April 2005

2005 National Payroll Reporting Forum: Free forum to discuss common wage and tax reporting issues

Alaska: Alaska workers may be eligible for unemployment tax refunds

Hawaii: Family leave administrative rules adopted

Illinois: Increase in minimum wage from January 1, 2005



27 January 2005

Action across the country to enforce labor rights: DOL files suit to enforce FLSA requirements

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Montana: State withholding tax tables revamped

Utah: Flood victims offered more time to file state taxes

Virginia: Withholding Rates for 2005



20 January 2005

$5.1 million in back wages for call center staff: Award prompted by failure to maintain accurate payroll records

$181,895 in back wages for cheese processing workers: Failure to pay overtime and keep accurate records

$161,509 in Back Wages for retail grocery workers: Failure to pay minimum wage and overtime compensation

$200,000 in Back Wages for agricultural workers: Failure to meet H-2A program requirements

New fact sheet gives details of Free File service: Free tax filing for up to 60% of taxpayers

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Updated publication: Per diem rates

Arizona: Quarterly withholding filers must file form A1-R

New York: Increase in State minimum wage



13 January 2005

New Fact Sheet warns of tax preparer fraud: 'Choose as carefully as a doctor or lawyer'

IRS publishes more filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

National Taxpayer Advocate Releases 2004 Report to Congress: Tax law complexity is most serious problem facing taxpayers

New Law Encourages Tsunami Relief Contributions: Contributions in January may be deducted for tax year 2004

Payroll Supervisor pleads guilty to $200,000 theft: 440 unauthorized checks fraudulently endorsed



6 January 2005

IRS Begins 2005 Filing Season: Measures to help taxpayers

IRS publishes new filing season Fact Sheets: Guidance for 2004 tax return preparation

IRS publishes new filing season Tax Tips: Help for 2004 tax return preparation

Changes to tax forms and publications: Cautions about changes to publications

Federal labor laws: Back wages for violations of overtime provisions



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