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
Another Swing in DOL Investment Position
Seyfarth Synopsis: Reminiscent of the DOL’s about-face on ESG investing by ERISA fiduciaries [discussed here], on December 21st the DOL issued a “supplemental statement” on its view of the use of private equity investments in participant-directed retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans.
As a refresh, in June 2020 the DOL issued an
Finally, Final Instructions: Due Date for Furnishing Form 1095-C Extended
Seyfarth Synopsis: The IRS has released final instructions for completing Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for 2021. Notably the instructions provide that the due date for furnishing Form 1095-C to individuals is extended to March 2, 2022. As expected, the instructions no longer offer penalty relief for good faith incorrect or incomplete filings and Form
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
Do You Offer Employees Rebates To Lower Their Prescription Drug Costs… Just Make Sure You Don’t Count It Towards Their Minimum Annual Deductible
Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 25, 2021, the IRS released two information letters related to health savings accounts (“HSAs”) and high deductible health plans (“HDHPs”) addressing: (i) correction of excess employer contributions to an HSA, and (ii) how coupons, such as prescription drug coupons, apply toward the HDHP minimum annual deductible and what benefits can be
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
Never Fear: More COBRA Subsidy Guidance Is Here
On July 26, 2021, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued Notice 2021-46, providing additional guidance on the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and premium assistance and tax credit provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”). As described in our Legal Update , ARPA requires employers to cover
Waistbands Aren’t the Only Thing Requiring Flexibility During the Pandemic
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“CAA”) offers significant relief for employers sponsoring flexible spending accounts. After much clamoring from the employer community, the IRS finally issued clarifying guidance in the form of Notice 2021-15 (the “Notice”). Check out our full Legal Update for details.
How to Sign Your Life Away… Electronically
Seyfarth Synopsis: Electronic signatures may be the wave of the future for the IRS, and are more necessary now as a result of the remote work environment. The IRS issued some recent guidance, allowing two authorization forms (Forms 2848 and 8821) to be signed electronically. While this guidance is a welcome step in the direction