The Federal government enacted the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) a quarter century ago to make it easier for workers to take job-protected leave to care for their newborns and other family members with serious health conditions. While this was landmark legislation in the employment law arena, critics have consistently pointed out that the law only applies to employers with 50 or more employees, and that the leave is unpaid. 

Classifying workers as independent contractors — rather than employees — can save businesses money and provide other benefits. But the IRS is on the lookout for businesses that do this improperly to avoid taxes and employee benefit obligations. This is a HUGE mistake made by household employers. It is very difficult for a nanny (for instance) to be considered an independent contractor.

Now that small businesses and their owners have filed their 2017 income tax returns (or filed for an extension), it’s a good time to review some of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that may significantly impact their taxes for 2018 and beyond. Generally, the changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and are permanent, unless otherwise noted.

If you own a business and have a child in high school or college, hiring him or her for the summer can provide a multitude of benefits, including tax savings. And hiring your child may make more sense than ever due to changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

It's no secret that Americans are living longer, experiencing slower physical and mental declines in old age, and have a strong preference - both emotionally and economically - to age-in-place. The inevitable physical and mental declines, however, are key triggers for the need for in home support services  so they can make that happen.

If you asked HR professionals to name their least favorite responsibility, many would probably say terminating employees. Even under the best of circumstances, it’s an awkward experience. Under the worst, a termination can be downright contentious. For household employers this can be exacerbated by the fact that the person being let go knows where you live.

A nanny will become an essential member of your household, caring for the most precious part of your life. So it’s a sensible decision to onboard a nanny (or any household employee) the correct way. These four steps will ensure that your nanny can begin work without delay and, come tax season, you or your tax preparer will have the necessary elements to file correctly.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes many changes that affect tax breaks for employee benefits. Among the changes are four negatives and one positive that will impact not only employees but also the businesses providing the benefits.

With April 17 in the rear-view, there are other important tax deadlines through the rest of the year. To help you make sure you don’t miss any, here’s a look at when some key tax-related forms, payments and other actions are due. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you.

When an organization changes — whether it’s something as drastic as a merger or as seemingly innocuous as a new software system — employees may feel threatened. People tend to desire stability and order as opposed to disruption and uncertainty. This is equally as true in household employment as it is in a corporate setting. Think your nanny isn’t nervous about your move to a new home or addition of another child?