Recently, the Obama administration announced that approximately three to six million households likely face a penalty for failing to obtain minimum essential healthcare coverage in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This number might sound smaller than it should be because many of the 20 to 37.5 million people still without health insurance are…
While the growth in healthcare expenses has slowed in recent years (3.6 percent in 2013), it’s still growing substantially higher than the overall inflation rate (1.5 percent for 2013). For this reason, it’s a good idea to utilize saving, spending and investment options available with today’s popular health savings accounts. Health Care Flexible Spending Arrangement…
For millions of workers who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the new myRA (which stands for My Retirement Account) enables them to save for retirement via paycheck deferrals. The account is free for employers to offer and employees pay no upfront or investment fees to participate. The plan was announced at last…
The mortgage interest deduction is one of the most popular in the whole tax code; however, it is more complicated than it first appears. Generally, you need to satisfy five factors before you can deduct mortgage interest. These factors are: Who paid the mortgage? Who is listed as the borrower? Is the property secured by…
In the wake of the Sony hacking incident, how can companies reduce the chance of their electronic and hard-copy records being compromised? Hackers can infiltrate your organization within the office or across the globe. Help your organization reduce the likelihood of an attack and its debilitating effects by taking both proven and emerging security steps….
It is difficult to find good workers and often even tougher to keep them. That is why you might entertain the idea of rehiring someone who left the business and is now hoping to return. However, this scenario is not without potential pitfalls, especially if you encountered problems with the worker the first time around….
Earlier this year, an incident involving a major-league baseball player taking time off from “the job” after the birth of his son triggered a national debate. Absent collective bargaining agreements, like the one in place for major-league baseball, this issue remains a lightning rod for controversy. The major controlling federal law in this area is…
Workplace fraud is a legitimate threat around the country. Recent estimates of the cost of employee theft and fraud to U.S. businesses range from $20 billion to $50 billion a year. No business, regardless of size or nature, appears immune. Sound advice: Do not sit around waiting for fraud to endanger your small business. By…
As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to size up stocks in your portfolio that may be ripe for selling this year, especially when you factor in the tax consequences. It’s an annual ritual known as “harvesting” capital losses. However, due to recent tax law changes, you may be inclined to reap different…
The IRS recently released its “dirty dozen” tax scams to watch out for in 2014. Here is a rundown of this year’s list: Identity (ID) theft: This occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes….
