Seyfarth Synopsis: Although Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee, has announced a moratorium on the State’s collection of the Washington Cares Fund long term care (“LTC”) payroll tax from employers without penalty, last Thursday he backtracked somewhat, saying that he does not have the authority to allow employers not to collect the tax from employees
An Early Holiday Present for Washington State Employers; Long Term Care Act Payroll Tax Moratorium Announced
Seyfarth Synopsis: On Friday, Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee, announced a moratorium on the State’s collection of the Washington Cares Fund long term care (“LTC”) payroll tax. The Washington Cares Fund was originally set to begin collecting taxes in January 2022 to help pay for the LTC expenses of the State’s residents. For more information
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Washington State’s Long Term Care Act
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Washington State’s Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act (the “Act”) that requires each worker in Washington to contribute $0.58 per $100 (0.58%) of wages to a trust set aside to pay long-term care benefits for its residents. The lawsuit challenges the Act and requests a declaratory judgment
Hello… Goodbye… Hello Again: New IRS FAQs Discuss Rehires and Bona Fide Retirements In Light of COVID-Related Labor Shortages
Seyfarth Synopsis: The IRS recently sought to reassure employers that they will not jeopardize their retirement plan’s tax qualified status if they permit employees who have a bona fide separation from service to take a distribution from their retirement plan, even if they are rehired shortly thereafter by the same employer. The reassurance comes in
Don’t Look Now, But Is That A New SECURE Act On the Horizon?
Seyfarth Synopsis: The SECURE Act, passed at the end of 2019, significantly altered the retirement landscape. Now, proposed legislation, “SECURE Act 2.0,” sets out to make even more changes. As before, several of the proposed provisions will require employers to closely consider the new rules. For newly established plans, there will be requirements that did
Do You Have Employees in Washington State? Take Note: New Long-Term Care Payroll Tax Goes Into Effect January 1, 2022
Seyfarth Synopsis: In an effort to plan for the projected long-term care needs of its residents, State of Washington passed the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act (SHB 1323) requiring each worker in Washington to contribute $0.58 per $100 (0.58%) of wages to a trust set aside to pay long-term care benefits for its residents.
You May Even Get a Vaccine Before Needing to go to the Notary; the IRS Has Extended Remote Witnessing of Participant Elections
Seyfarth Synopsis: The IRS has extended the remote notarization relief that gives plans and participants greater flexibility for participant elections, including spousal 
consents, that must be signed in person and witnessed by a notary or plan representative in order to be valid. The IRS has also requested comments on this relief, including comments as to
Upcoming Webinar! “Navigating a New Landscape: Post-COVID Retirement Plan Design and Administrative Issues”
Thursday, October 8, 2020
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mountain
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pacific
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of retirement readiness for many employees. Employees have been furloughed or lost jobs and plan account balances have been negatively
Webinar: Seyfarth, Moss Adams, and Northwest Plan Services Present “A Guide to Implementing the CARES Act and More: Relief for Employers and Retirement Plans Explained”
As we all are aware, the global pandemic is a force to be reckoned with. Life as we now know it looks completely different than what we had expected a mere few months ago. Nowhere is this more evident than in the financial fortunes of US companies and workers. In response, Congress passed the Coronavirus
Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz – Relief For Safe Harbor Plans Reducing or Suspending Contributions in 2020
Seyfarth Synopsis: Due to the significant economic impact of COVID-19 on businesses, many plan sponsors would like to reduce or suspend contributions to safe harbor 401(k) plans this year. Normally, mid-year changes to safe harbor contributions can only be made in narrow circumstances. In response to employer requests for relief, the IRS has issued Notice