2014

Women's reproductive rights have been headline news this year. Large corporations such as Wal-Mart and UPS have been thrust into the spotlight regarding their handling of employees who were pregnant or trying to get pregnant. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Jacqueline A. Berrien states that, "Pregnancy is not a justification for excluding women from jobs that they are qualified to perform, and it cannot be a basis for denying employment of treating women…

All of the holiday season's festivities can pack on the pounds and increase stress levels. Did you know that the average American gains six to eight pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's? This is a case where it's good to be below average! Here are some tips from certified health coach Jennifer Cook to help you navigate the cookies and candy at the office, celebratory meals out, cocktail parties and holiday buffets: Don't skip a…

That is the question. A recent Bank of America survey of small businesses found that 52% plan to give their employees a bonus this year. Of course, bonuses are discretionary and not an entitlement. They may be based on many different criteria such as the overall performance of the company or the individual performance of an employee, but all employees should be clear as to what those factors are. If your year-end bonus is a…

With the technological development of mobile banking, it has become more important than ever to balance your business' books to insure that your vendors and employees aren't depositing your checks twice. It is a simple mistake when made honestly, but it has also become an easy way for dishonest people to gain more money. You may have read about this issue in regards to some University of Georgia football players who were arrested for "double…

This time of year, employees that have accrued but not used paid time off (PTO) start asking if they have to "use it or lose it." Some expect to receive a check as compensation for any paid time they cannot use. In Georgia, as at the federal level, there is no requirement for employers to provide paid vacation, sick leave or personal time off, let alone carry it over or pay it out. As a…

Many employers make changes to their corporate employee policies over time but neglect to update their policy manuals or notify workers. Not only is this a bad business practice; it can also leave a company exposed to liability, depending on the nature of the policy change. Year-end is the perfect time to incorporate all policy changes (including any from previous years that were not incorporated) into the employee handbook. Depending on the extent of the…

It's amazing how many employees move or experience significant changes in their living circumstances without telling their employers. Now is the time to reach out to current and former employees and ensure you have correct addresses for sending W-2s. Marathon always mails its clients' W-2s in time for personnel to receive them by the deadline, but we need correct addresses to achieve that goal. The US Postal Service only forwards mail for six months unless…

The IRS allows S-corporations to pay for (and deduct) the medical expenses of their shareholders, but only under certain stipulations. First, the employee or owner must be a more-than-two-percent shareholder of the corporation. Second, the insurance premiums paid on behalf of (or reimbursed to) a shareholder-employee must be reported by the S- Corporation as wages on the shareholder-employee's Form W-2. These benefits are not subject to Social Security or Medicare (FICA) or Unemployment (FUTA) taxes.…

As a related note, the IRS has reconfirmed earlier guidance that prohibits companies who do not establish individual health care plans from reimbursing employees for health insurance premiums or paying for them with employees' pre-tax dollars (not including them in taxable income). Per Notice 2013-54, the penalty can be up to $100 per employee, per day, which amounts to $36,500 per employee, per year. The IRS guidance to this specific question is as follows: Under IRS…

On September 30, Marathon HR celebrated its tenth anniversary, and we are proud to say that we were surrounded by many of the clients who have been with us over the years. We would like to take a moment to thank all of our clients, friends and supporters! We hope to provide you with many, many more years of excellent service. Many thanks to our friends and customers in the Athens Referral Factory Front row…