2009 contribution limits. Note: IRS has issued 401(k) plan contribution limits for 2009.
HSA requirements. Note: IRS has provided additional guidance on HSAs.
Disabled individuals, G-FIVE initiative, and I-9 forms. Note: Three new directives issued by OFCCP are discussed.
Qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement. Note: The financial rescue plan provides for a $20 tax-free reimbursement to employees for expenses of commuting by bicycle.
Responding to a complaint, preparing for an investigation, concluding the case effectively Note: Learn more about how to effectively respond to a complaint, prepare for an investigation, and take corrective action.
Uniforms. Note: A new DOL Opinion Letter clarifies laws on paying for uniforms.
Amendments to ADA. Note: Effective January 1, 2009, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 significantly changes the standards that define a disability under the ADA.
2009 benefit and contribution limits.
Salary level test, overtime for exempt employees. Note: There is a new DOL opinion letter on prorating salaries of exempt part-timers. Also, an employer may provide an exempt employee with additional compensation, such as overtime, without losing the exemption or violating the salary basis requirement
Qualified reservist distributions. Note: IRS has provided detailed guidance on qualified reservist distributions authorized by the Heart Act.
I-9 forms. Note: New OFCCP directive regarding I-9 forms is explained.
Mandatory arbitration agreements. Note: Recent U.S. Supreme Court cases reflect a favorable attitude toward arbitration in the employment setting.
Mental health parity, students on medical leave. Note: The mental health parity requirements have been expanded to include financial requirements, treatment limitations, and substance use disorders. Effective October 9, 2009, students on medical leave may be entitled to 1 year of coverage as a dependent.
Tax law requirements. Note: Limit on tax-free benefits received from a tax-qualified LTC plan during 2009.
Specimen validity. Note: DOT regulations make it mandatory for laboratories to test all DOT specimens for specimen validity, and effective November 1, 2008, DOT regulations make direct observation testing mandatory for all return-to-duty and follow-up DOT tests.
Failure to take unpaid meal break. Note: If an employee fails to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break during a week when the employee works more than 40 hours, the 30-minute break must be included when calculating overtime.
E-Verify requirements for federal contractors; no-match letter safe harbor. Note: E-Verify requirements for federal contractors take effect January 15, 2009, and the DOJ issues advice for employers using the no-match letter safe harbor to avoid discrimination charges.
Union Solicitation Note: Learn about an employer's right to prohibit nonemployee union organizers from company property.
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Note: Employees can bring whistleblower claims under the recently enacted Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Medicare secondary payer reporting requirements and 2009 Form 5500 changes. Note: New reporting requirements apply for plans that cover Medicare beneficiaries, and major changes to Form 5500 will go into effect for 2009 plan year filings.
Address discrepancies on consumer reports. Note: Under FACTA, two new rules dictate how employers must handle address discrepancies on consumer reports.