Returning Value Blog

Bonuses, frequently given at the end of the year, is a popular "thank you" for a job well done, and smart business owners know they can build loyalty, helping retain the most productive employees. However, both owners and employees often misunderstand how taxes work with bonuses, leading to confusion and frustration. Fortunately, with some education and preparation, the situation can work out for everyone.

Distinguishing between independent contractors and employees is important for both tax and financial reasons. In order to comply with federal tax laws, you've got to be crystal clear about your workers' status and keep accurate records no matter what. Here's how to distinguish between independent contractors and employees – and why it's important.

Form 941-X, Adjusted Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund, maybe your key to getting all the Covid relief your business is entitled to. It's a 30-page form, and the rules are complex, but here are the basics.

Health savings accounts are paired with high-deductible health plans for an especially adaptable insurance and savings program. HDHPs have large deductibles that members must meet before receiving coverage. Participants meet those deductibles by contributing their own money to HSAs. The government does not tax these funds as long as they're used to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Finding talent is an issue for nearly all businesses. There are many reasons for this, but the top three may be (1) adjusting to a new normal that is not yet fully formed, (2) the generational shift in leadership, and (3) the scarcity of talent. The result of this confluence of issues is that leaders must be able to be flexible. One of the ways they need to be flexible is learning new ways to manage a multigenerational workforce.

Do you outsource HR and IT but feel squeamish about letting someone else get too close to your numbers? You probably have a fluctuating need for a bookkeeper, an accountant, a controller, and a chief financial officer. You could hire all these people, but outsourcing can provide these services when you need them at significant cost savings.

Payroll compliance is about meeting your payroll obligations as required by law. Learn how your organization can stay compliant.

In most offices, someone from HR hangs the relevant Labor Department posters in the company breakroom, and that's that. But in this new remote world, what are the requirements? Send the posters to each employee and tell them they have to hang them in their kitchens? Actually, that's not necessary, but the DOL has published some guidance for companies that are partially or entirely remote.

The payroll tax rates and contribution limits for 2022 have been released, and there are lots of changes. Below are the federal payroll tax rates and benefits contribution limits for 2022.

According to a statement on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website, most consumers with private health coverage can go online or to a pharmacy or store, buy a test, and have their health plan pay for it, either upfront or after submitting a claim. "This requirement incentivizes insurers to cover these costs upfront and ensures individuals do not need an order from their health care provider to access these tests for free." The policy took effect on Jan. 15. The full details of the policy are available on the CMS website.