The FICA Special Timing Rule for Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Employers know that wages are generally subject to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”), and that both employers and employees are liable for a portion of FICA on those wages. In most circumstances, the employee and employer portion of FICA are paid when the compensation is paid to employees—but there is a “special timing rule” …

United States Tax Court Launching New Case Management System – Dawson

In December 2020, the United States Tax Court will be launching DAWSON (Docket Access Within a Secure Online Network), the Court’s new case management system. The Court expects DAWSON to be active no later than December 28, 2020. Beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on November 20, 2020, the current e-filing system will become inaccessible …

Remote Execution of Estate Plan Documents Allowed in Michigan Through December 31, 2020

Remote executions of estate planning documents are again allowed in Michigan through December 31, 2020.  On November 5, 2020, Michigan’s Governor signed 2020 PA 246, allowing remote witnessing, and 2020 PA 249 allowing remote notarizations.  This applies to any document that is executed on or after April 30, 2020 through December 31, 2020. In order …

The IRS Announces Updated Limitations Related to Employer Plans for 2021

The IRS announced cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for employer plans for tax year 2021. Most IRS limits impacting employer retirement plans have remained the same because the increase in the cost-of-living index did not meet the legal thresholds that trigger their adjustment. See IRS Notice 2020-79 and IRS Revenue Procedure 2020-32 for additional IRS technical guidance. …

Are My Employees Telecommuting Right Into a New State Income Tax Liability?

A phenomenon of the ongoing COVID-19 healthcare pandemic is the exponential expansion of telecommuting. Whether stemming from an epiphany or simply the opportunity to escape to a more appealing place to live, many members of the workforce have opted to relocate. In many instances, relocation has meant crossing state borders, all the while continuing to …