Another Bonus Bites Back

Last month it was a holiday bonus that bit the employer. This report is about a productivity bonus. What do employers keep missing that is getting them in hot water with the U.S. Department of Labor?

As anticipated, President Biden signed the Speak Out Act on December 7, 2022. It took effect immediately and applies to a "claim that is filed under Federal, State, or Tribal law on or after the date of enactment of this Act."

Form I-9 Update

If you process Form I-9’s for newly hired employees, take note. On December 9th, USCIS announced an extension of expired Permanent Resident Cards (PRC).

If on or after December 12, 2022, an individual presents to you an expired PRC and presents a Form N-400 receipt, the latter will provide an automatic 24-month extension of the PRC, as a List A document.

IRS & DOL Focus (Again) on Worker MIsclassification

The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to “promote employer compliance with obligations to properly pay employees and to pay employment taxes.”

Targeting employers’ misclassification of workers as independent contractors instead of employees is not a new effort. The two agencies signed a similar agreement in 2011.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The 2023 Webcast Series are now open!

FiveL Company will again offer two series:

one for managers and one for HR professionals.

Individual subscribers get more than 25% off.

Groups of five or more from the same employer get an additional 20% off!

Don't want to subscribe for the full series? Monthly registrations are still welcome and available at $25 per person. Check out January's public events:

• Wednesday, January 25th, "Twists and Turns of Talent Acquisition," webcast, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. ET. Pre-approved by HRCI & SHRM for 1.25 credits.

• Wednesday, January 25th, "Employment Law 101 for Managers," webcast, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET.

This publication does not constitute the rendering of legal advice. Please consult your company's legal counsel for guidance on any matter.