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Compliance

After multiple delays, Texas officially released its new, increased SUTA rates, creating additional tax payments for many companies. While SUTA rate notices typically occur at the end of each year, many were delayed due to COVID-19. With unprecedented unemployment claims, state unemployment funds were depleted quickly. This rise in unemployment also affected the state SUTA […]

Minimum wages across many cities and a handful of states will increase on July 1, 2021. As a reminder, when state law differs from federal law, employers must use the one that benefits the employee the most. For example, if a state’s minimum wage is higher than the $7.25 federal minimum wage, it must be […]

There are many new or updated state laws or employers that will go into effect on July 1, 2021. If your state has an update, you’ll find it below. As with any other regulation, laws are subject to last-minute changes, visit the Department of Labor online for more info. You can also find minimum wage […]

Under the OSHA Act, employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment, free from hazards that can cause serious harm. On June 10, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) posted new guidance to protect at-risk and unvaccinated employees from COVID-19 in the workplace.  Requirements Part […]

We recently reported that President Trump signed an executive order and three memoranda for COVID relief. With no interference thus far from Congress, those orders are scheduled to become active September 1.  One of the memoranda we are most frequently asked about is the “payroll tax holiday.” This provision gives employers the option to let employees […]

Please visit our COVID-19 resources page with more information for business owners and employees. Updated ADA guidelines have been issued in light of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unique challenges to people from all walks of life. In times such as these, we see people join together to fight for the common good — […]

Please visit our COVID-19 resources page with more information for business owners and employees. On March 20, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced flexible guidelines to the requirements related to Form I-9, due to COVID-19.  Employers may obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the documents their employees provide to complete Section 2 of […]

The Federal Government released an updated I-9 form  On January 31, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security published a new I-9 form for employers to use for all new-hires. Use of the new form will become mandatory on May 1, 2020.  The I-9 form is used to verify identity and employment authorization for people hired […]

Get your calculators ready — tax season officially starts on January 27, 2020, according to the IRS. We’ll be sending W-2s directly to employee homes for our clients no later than January 31, 2020. Here’s how you can get a headstart on the upcoming tax season.  Get Organized Tax filing can be a tedious task, […]

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced its final decision on the calculation of the regular rate of pay, effective on January 15, 2020. The new rule clarifies common overtime pay issues and will allow employers to offer perks and benefits to their employees more efficiently.   Previous rules about the regular rate of pay Under […]

The Department of Homeland Security has announced changes to the I-9 form.  The federal government’s I-9 form expired in August 2019, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is instructing employers to use the expired version until they release an updated form.The I-9 form is used to verify identity and employment authorization for people hired […]

The DOL proposed changes to overtime pay and exemptions; it’s time to prepare.  The Department of Labor (DOL) finalized changes to overtime regulations—a move that will change the exempt status of millions of American workers, making them eligible for overtime pay.  Nextep is preparing clients for the planned changes leading up to the 2020 effective […]