COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiver Discrimination 

COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiver Discrimination

Discrimination against a person with caregiving responsibilities may be unlawful under federal employment discrimination laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). New guidance was released earlier this week to help employers further understand the policies as it relates to COVID-19 circumstances. As the pandemic evolves, the challenge of juggling work and caregiving obligations remains. … Read more

Exempt vs. Nonexempt: Where the Dividing Line Is

Exempt vs Nonexempt: Where the dividing line is

Employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act are required to pay nonexempt employees for all hours worked. It sounds simple enough, but many people fail to understand all the forms an hour of work can take. Not understanding the nuances of this principle can lead to payroll mistakes. Below are some pitfalls to avoid. … Read more

7 Considerations When Preparing Your Payroll Budget

7 Considerations When Preparing Your Payroll Budget

Most companies spend 20% to 30% of their annual revenue on payroll. The exact amount varies based on the employer’s size, industry, and staffing and operational needs. In some industries, such as service, it’s not uncommon for payroll to encompass up to 50% of revenue. For other industries, such as manufacturing and food and beverage, … Read more

Is This Your Situation: You’re Spending Too Much on Bookkeeping

Unemployment and Tax: Back to Normal

Wondering what your options are to reduce spending and increase income? Here are some tips: Organizing your finances is the foundation for financial success. Receipts scattered? Can’t keep up with payments that are due? Missed payments result in late fees and interest charges, and all those do are increase the overall amount to be paid … Read more

Is This Your Situation: Feeling Overwhelmed by Payroll

Payroll and salaries

Do you ever wish you didn’t have to go through the hassle of preparing a payroll? Maybe it was simple when you just had one or two employees, but your company is growing and it’s becoming more complex. Some companies have a dedicated payroll manager—but that can be expensive. Other businesses have found find it … Read more

Can You Be Exempt and Nonexempt at the Same Time?

Unemployment and Tax: Back to Normal

You can allow an employee to work two different jobs for your company. However, under the FLSA, you cannot classify an employee as both exempt and nonexempt — it must be one or the other. To know which one to use, you must first combine all of the employee’s job duties into one. Considering the … Read more

Unemployment and Tax: Back to Normal

Unemployment and Tax: Back to Normal

Unemployment income has always been taxable income. Those who apply for unemployment benefits can have federal tax, and any applicable state tax, withheld, but whether it’s done check by check or in a lump sum, the recipient has to pay. However, because 2020 was such a difficult year, the federal government granted a limited break. … Read more

Payroll Tax Rates And Contribution Limits For 2022

Payroll Solutions - BlueStone Services LLC

Below are federal payroll tax rates and benefits contribution limits for 2022. Social Security tax In 2022, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% for employers and employees, unchanged from 2021. The Social Security wage base is $147,000 for employers and employees, increasing from $142,800 in 2021. Self-employed people must pay 12.4% on the first $147,000. Medicare tax … Read more

Is 401(K) Auto Enrollment Right For Your Company?

401K Retirement - BlueStone LLC

Traditionally, employees have to opt into retirement plans and make their own decisions about contributions. But there’s another possibility: automatic enrollment in a 401(K). If they choose to enroll their staff automatically, companies have three options: Basic 401(K) auto enrollment, also called an “Automatic Contribution Arrangement” (ACA) Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan … Read more

How To Retain Employees In A Tough Market

Human Resources - BlueStone LLC

Imagine you’re a nursing home manager trying to replace a nurse’s aide. But the resumes aren’t coming in like they usually do. You can’t figure out why until an applicant points out that you’re offering the same hourly wage as McDonald’s and asks what you have that McDonald’s doesn’t. Lockdown-era furloughs forced huge numbers of … Read more