Trump signs $1.5T tax cut in first major legislative win
The president signed the Republican tax-overhaul bill to little fanfare on Friday
Law and regulation
What New York employers need to know about leave, salary policy changes
Beginning in 2018, the state will require companies to provide eight weeks of paid time off for employees to care for a new child or a sick relative. Firms also must comply with salary updates.
Benefits Think Why employers should mediate ERISA claims
Many claims filed by former employees have a very low chance of success, but that does not eliminate the need for the employer to put in the time and money to fight them.
Corey F. Schechter
Butterfield Schechter
Benefits Think Retirement plan administrators need to look for missing participants
In order to avoid an audit, pension planners should conduct periodic audits for hard-to-find former employees.
Kenneth Ginder
Verrill Dana LLP
The year in healthcare: A focus on cost management
Employers tried new strategies to tame benefit expenses, such as self-funding and association health plans.
With tax reform done, employer groups look for ACA mandate relief
The American Benefits Council called for quick action on legislation to delay implementation of the Cadillac tax and Obamacare reporting requirements.
Breaking down retirement provisions in the tax reform bill
Employers are relieved that plans are left unscathed, but insiders are still keeping a sharp eye on the impact of deduction for pass-through entities.
House passes sweeping tax cuts
The tax bill will dismantle a key piece of the ACA: The individual mandate that requires people to purchase insurance.
Benefits Think Why employers should mediate ERISA claims
Many claims filed by former employees have a very low chance of success, but that does not eliminate the need for the employer to put in the time and money to fight them.
Corey F. Schechter
Butterfield Schechter
Top EBA stories of 2017: Brokerages take bold action
Zenefits exiting the broker of record business, Alera Group bringing agencies together and health reform attempts were among the most viewed items.
5 benefit plan action items to address before the end of 2017
Advisers should help clients ensure plan documents are in order now to avoid unnecessary compliance and regulatory issues at the beginning of 2018.
Benefits Think Proposed national paid leave legislation could preempt state laws
In its current form, the bill would drastically reduce employee access to the benefit, but also grant alternative work arrangements known as 'workflex' options.
Paul Galligan
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Benefits Think Proposed national paid leave legislation could preempt state laws
In its current form, the bill would drastically reduce employee access to the benefit, but also grant alternative work arrangements known as 'workflex' options.
Paul Galligan
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Tax bill odds improve as Murkowski backs repeal of ACA mandate
Alaska senator reverses course from her vote against the effort to repeal Obamacare this summer.
Benefits managers urge Congress to protect education benefits
SHRM members voice concerns over the House reform plan, which eliminates the tax exclusion for tuition assistance up to $5,250 a year.
IRS guidelines on QSEHRAs will require ‘a huge amount of administration’
As of Monday, small employers looking to offer tax-free plans to cover workers’ insurance premiums and healthcare expenses will have to follow extensive new compliance rules.
401(k) plans remain untouched in tax bill passed by House
The reform legislation is good news for employers whose retirement options would have been limited by discussed retirement program changes.
IRS guidelines on QSEHRAs will require ‘a huge amount of administration’
As of Nov. 20, small employers looking to offer tax-free plans to cover workers’ insurance premiums and healthcare expenses will have to follow extensive new compliance rules.
Benefits Think IRS prepares to issue ACA employer responsibility penalties
Notices are scheduled to go out to employers by “late 2017” to instruct employers on how to process their mandated payments.
Stephanie Grant
Warner Norcross & Judd
GOP may add ACA individual mandate repeal to tax plan
Making the change would produce an estimated $338 billion in savings over 10 years that would help legislators meet fiscal targets.
