DOL Issues Final Rule Reinstating 2019 FLSA Salary Thresholds
The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to clarify the minimum salary level for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) executive, administrative, professional, outside sales and computer employee or “white collar” exemptions. These exemptions determine whether an employee is classified as exempt from overtime pay. This new rule is not a sweeping policy change. Instead, it is a technical […]
Social Security Administration Expands BSO Access
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced an important update that will make life a little easier for employers. The agency has expanded access to its Business Services Online (BSO) platform, allowing registered users to log in 24/7. This shift to uninterrupted availability is a meaningful improvement for anyone responsible for wage reporting and year‑end compliance. BSO Platform The SSA’s […]
DOL Issues Proposed Joint Employer Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rule that would clarify how joint employer status is determined under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposal also extends to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), meaning its impact reaches beyond wage and hour compliance. When a joint employment relationship exists, each employer becomes jointly […]
Final Tip Regulations Released by IRS
The IRS has officially released its final regulations implementing the “no tax on tips” provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Taking effect June 12, 2026, these rules reshape how employers must handle tipped income for payroll and reporting purposes. For employers, especially those in hospitality, personal services and other tip‑heavy industries, this is a pivotal compliance moment. Qualified Tips Qualified […]
IRS Updates Tax Withholding Estimator with OBBBA Provisions
The IRS has updated its Tax Withholding Estimator to reflect several significant changes introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). As announced in the IRS release IR‑2026‑35, the revised estimator now incorporates new tax benefits such as the exclusion of tips and overtime pay from federal income tax, along with other credits and deductions created by the legislation. […]
DOL Issues Proposed Worker Classification Rule
A proposed rule released by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) would once again change how employers determine whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposal would rescind the DOL’s 2024 classification rule and replace it with a framework closely aligned with the 2021 rule, […]
IRS Releases 2026 Form 941 and Instructions
The IRS has finalized the 2026 Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, along with updated instructions that take effect beginning with the first quarter of 2026. The form contains no changes from the draft version released earlier and only minor differences from the 2025 form. Even so, employers should be aware that the IRS […]
Preparing for a Workers’ Compensation Audit
Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for safeguarding both employees and employers when workplace injuries occur, but it also comes with strict rules and detailed reporting requirements. Since regulations differ from state to state and the coverage involves sensitive financial and legal obligations, even small mistakes can create major complications for a business. That’s why preparing for a workers’ […]
Federal Student Loan Garnishments Put on Hold by Education Department
The U.S. Department of Education announced it is delaying wage garnishments and involuntary collections for defaulted student loan barrowers, including the Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG) and the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). The department claims its temporary pause was made to continue streamlining the student loan repayment process as it continues to make further reforms. This pause […]