Congress and the U.S. Department of Labor are working on rules that would make it easier for small employers to join multiple employer plans (MEPs). These defined contribution plans are designed to help American workers save for retirement. MEPs are expected to lower administrative costs, but do they offer the simplicity that employers want? Here are some issues to consider.
No one may better appreciate the value of family than grandparents. And, the relationship between grandparent and grandchild can be a uniquely rewarding one.
With a level of wealth and good health that may be unmatched by any previous generation of grandparents, many have made a lifestyle decision to move to live near their grandchildren. If you're considering moving to be near your grandchildren during retirement, you'll want to consider certain points.
Here are six key questions you'll want to answer before making any move.
Private companies that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are running out of time to implement the new revenue recognition rules. Are your accounting systems and personnel ready for this fundamental shift in financial reporting? The effects will likely be more far-reaching than expected, based on feedback from public companies that implemented the changes in 2018.
Laws and regulations governing gender-based pay equality have been on the books for decades. But equal pay for men and women has become a hot button in the business world, thanks to the #MeToo movement and some recent surveys documenting widespread pay disparity.
Recent Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) gender-based discrimination allegations suggest that many employers are unclear about what constitutes pay discrimination in the eyes of courts and regulators. While it can be a gray area, it's important to know the basics to help you assess your risk of an EEOC equal pay claim — and take preventive measures to protect your company and its employees.
The federal income tax treatment of business entities has changed dramatically under the new tax law. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, C corporations will pay a 21% flat tax rate. Meanwhile, income from pass-through businesses will still be taxed at the owners' rates but owners will get a valuable new tax deduction. So which type of entity is best under the new rules?
or one reason or another, you may need to take some money out of an IRA before reaching retirement. You can withdraw money from an IRA at any time and for any reason, but it's important to keep in mind that most IRA withdrawals are at least partially taxable. In other words, you'll owe regular income tax on the amount. In addition, the taxable portion of a withdrawal taken before age 59 1/2, which is called an "early withdrawal," will be hit with a 10% penalty — unless you qualify for an exception.
You know you're operating a reputable business, but is that the impression your sales force is leaving with potential customers? Or is your sales team willing to say whatever it takes to seal the deal? In today's cutthroat business climate, it's easy to lose sight of what constitutes an ethical sales program. To preserve your company's good name, don't overlook your sales force when building an ethical business culture.
