SEPs: Simple but not always optimal
Simplified employee pension (SEP) plans can be attractive in the short term but over the long term can be expensive, inefficient, and inflexible.
Employee Benefits
IRS issues HSA contribution limits for 2019
The IRS issued the inflation-adjusted contribution limits for 2019 for health savings accounts.
IRS gives taxpayers relief from erroneous HSA contributions
The IRS announced it will allow taxpayers to treat $6,900 as the 2018 limit for deductible contributions to HSAs for individuals with family coverage.
Aiding employees after a disaster via Sec. 139
This little-known provision allows payments to be excludable from employees’ income and deductible by the employer.
IRS announces 2018 pension contribution limits under tax reform act
The IRS revealed that the recalculated 2018 pension contribution limits are unchanged from the numbers issued before the tax reform bill was enacted.
Defined benefit plans in the big picture
Comprehensive financial planning can uncover when the advantages of a defined benefit plan for a small business might outweigh those of a defined contribution plan.
Government funding bill postpones some health care taxes
The continuing resolution to fund the government through Feb. 8 also delays the so-called Cadillac tax on high-cost health plans for an additional two years beyond 2019.
Qualified small employer HRAs get guidance
The IRS answers questions on health reimbursement arrangements, which were reinstated for small employers after PPACA market reform rules generally penalized the popular coverage option.
2018 pension plan contribution limits are announced
The IRS released the inflation-adjusted amounts that apply to pension and 401(k) plans for 2018.
Wellness program benefits: Tax free or not?
Make sure your employer health incentives can pass an IRS examination.
Employee discount plans
Employers must follow complex rules to exclude employee discounts from taxable income.
Revised Senate health bill would retain taxes on higher-income individuals
The health care bill released by Senate Republicans on Thursday would retain the Affordable Care Act’s 3.8% net investment tax and the 0.9% Medicare surtax.
Tax provisions in the Senate health care bill
The Senate Republicans’ bill to replace Obamacare would repeal many of the Affordable Care Act’s tax provisions. Here’s a look at the tax changes in the bill.
2018 health savings account limits increase slightly
The IRS released the 2018 annual inflation-adjusted amounts that apply to health savings accounts.
Sixth Circuit upholds DISC dividends paid to Roth IRAs
Form prevails over substance despite dividends' exceeding contribution limits.
Proposed PPACA replacement bills contain many tax changes
The draft proposals to repeal the Affordable Care Act released by House Republicans would make many tax changes if enacted. Here’s a look at their impact on the tax code.
Congress authorizes new small business HRAs
Popular employer arrangements to reimburse medical expenses had been penalized by the Affordable Care Act.
Congress enacts law allowing HRAs under the Affordable Care Act
The Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which, among other things, permits certain employers to offer health reimbursement arrangements to employees without running afoul of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s market reform provisions.
Defined benefit plan participants can receive lump sum and annuity under new rules
Bifurcation offers a hedge against outliving retirement benefits.
IRS extends due dates for PPACA forms and penalty relief
In response to concerns from employers, insurers, and other providers of minimum essential coverage, the IRS announced that it is extending the due dates for certain health care forms required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
