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Newsletter #5 February 6, 2018 |
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No more (tax) Free Parking for Employees?
Among the many changes in the tax code, the recent tax bill disallows deductions for certain employer-provided transportation benefits, including employee parking. A new article by Greg Yoder on the SnyderCohn.com website explains the details of the changes.
Under previous law, provided certain requirements were met, if an employer paid for an employee’s parking, the employee would not have to report any income for the benefit, and the employer would get a deduction for the amount paid.
Under the new law, employees can still exclude the income for these “qualified transportation fringes,” but employers can no longer take a deduction. This provision means that employers face the choice of either (a) not providing the benefit, or (b) paying more for it.
Some commentators who are knowledgeable in the area of benefits taxation have suggested that there may be a workaround to this problem. They believe that putting parking benefits inside a salary reduction arrangement (SRA) may maintain both the employee exclusion and the employer deduction.
Photo Credit: Flickr, Chris Parker, www.ccpixs.com |
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| | | Mike McCurdy on Georgia CEO
GEA Executive Director, Mike McCurdy, was featured in last week’s Georgia CEO newsletter. In a video clip, Mike discussed upcoming events for 2018, GEA’s membership growth, and the value of services the association provides for Georgia businesses.
Georgia CEO produces daily newsletters that highlight business news and events in communities around the state.
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| | Why Attend a Lunch and Learn?
In your gut, you know that getting out of the office could be a good thing, but there’s so much to do. Why should you take the time out of your busy day to attend an afternoon workshop?
Here’s 3 good reasons:
- You really do need a break in the routine – Time out for learning is a refreshing change that will do you good!
- New ideas and perspectives are valuable – A new technique or approach can save time, increase your productivity, and benefit your organization.
- You’ll make new contacts – Meeting and engaging with others in the business community can provide new insights and the contacts may be beneficial to your career.
Georgia Employers’ Association’s new monthly Lunch and Learn series starts on Wednesday, March 14 with Key Metrics for Human Resources. Take a break from the daily grind and join us! |
| | | Preparing for an ICE Raid
On Wednesday morning, officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspected nearly 100 7-Eleven stores across the country, and arrested 21 employees for being illegally present in the United States. This is believed to be the Trump Administration’s largest immigration enforcement operation against an individual employer to date. The 7-Eleven raids and others are consistent with the Trump Administration’s announcement last October of its intention to increase significantly enforcement of the immigration laws in workplaces.
Thomas D. Homan, the acting director of ICE, said regarding the 7-Eleven raids, “Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”
In an article on the Constangy website, Attorney Willard Krasnow details employers’ obligations under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and suggests four steps that employers should take to make sure they are prepared for an immigration raid or audit.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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| | | | Early Bird Discount for GEA's Spring Conference
The theme for this year’s GEA Spring Conference is Strategies for a Better Business Environment. GEA is finalizing the agenda for the event and we’re putting together an excellent combination of expert speakers and interesting subjects.
Here are a few of the confirmed speakers:
- Chris Carr – Attorney General, State of Georgia
- Mark Butler – Georgia Commissioner of Labor
- Stewart Countess – CAO, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia
You’ll want to register early for the Spring Conference to take advantage of a 10% discount on the registration cost. Learn more about the GEA conference and Register Online on the GEA website. |
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Georgia Employers' Association |
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