Federal Alerts

Labor board: Mandatory employer meetings about unionization are unlawful

Sunday, January 5, 2025
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Compliance Corner

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings in which the employer expresses their views on unionization. The NLRB ruled that the decision will be applied prospectively (future cases) only.

IRS Releases 2025 Publication 15

Sunday, January 5, 2025
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Compliance Corner
The Internal Revenue Service has released Publication 15 (a/k/a Circular E) Employer’s Tax Guide for use in 2025. Publication 15 explains an employer’s tax responsibilities, important updates for 2025, and employer instructions for payroll and non-payroll tax withholding.

IRS Announces 2025 Medical Mileage Rate

Sunday, January 5, 2025
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Compliance Corner
On Dec. 19, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2025-05 announcing that the standard mileage rate, effective Jan. 1, 2025, for use of an automobile to obtain medical care is 21 cents per mile. This is the same rate as in 2024. 

Federal Court Strikes Down U.S. DOL Overtime Exemptions Rule Nationwide

Monday, December 2, 2024
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Compliance Corner
On Nov. 15, 2024, a Texas federal court struck down a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule that raised the minimum salary required to be paid to most employees classified as exempt from overtime and minimum wage requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

The court’s decision blocks the minimum compensation increases that were scheduled to go into effect on Jan.  1, 2025, and invalidates the previously required July 1, 2024, increases nationwide.  

IRS Releases 2025 HSA and HDHP Limits

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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Compliance Corner
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via Revenue Procedure 2024-25 has released the inflation-adjusted contribution limitations for calendar year 2025 in relation to health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

Pittsburgh Adds Medical Marijuana Patient Protections

Tuesday, November 5, 2024
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Compliance Corner
The Pittsburgh City Council has passed Ordinance 2024-0705 (the Ordinance), which prohibits employers from discriminating against medical marijuana patients in the workplace and limits certain marijuana drug testing of these patients. The Ordinance is effective immediately.

Minimum Wage Increase for Federal Contractors Announced

Monday, November 4, 2024
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Compliance Corner
The Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that the hourly minimum wage for employees performing work on covered federal contracts will increase from $17.20 to $17.75 on Jan.  1, 2025.  The new minimum wage rate will apply in full to tipped and non-tipped employees, as well as to workers with disabilities.

Time Off to Vote: 8 Facts Employers Should Know

Monday, November 4, 2024
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Compliance Corner

Many jurisdictions require employers to provide time off to employees to vote and/or act as an election official. Here are eight key facts about these requirements.

Social Security Wage Base for 2025 Announced

Friday, November 1, 2024
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Compliance Corner
On Oct. 10, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the 2025 wage base. The annual wage base limit is the maximum amount of employee wages that are subject to the social security tax for the calendar year.

Longer Automatic Extension Granted for Green Card Renewals

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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Compliance Corner
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.   


 This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

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