On April 23, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to increase the minimum salary level for the Fair Labor Standards Act “white collar” exemptions in two steps:

• • On July 1, the minimum salary level increases from $684 to $844 per week (or from $35,568 per year to $43,888 per year)

• • On January 1, 2025, the minimum salary level increases from $844 to $1,128 per week (or from $43,888 per year to $58,656 per year)

The Board of Trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund reports each year on the financial condition of the social security program. The 2024 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds, issued on May 6, includes both short- and long-term projections about the social security system.

The IRS announced the 2025 maximum contribution levels for health savings accounts (HSAs) and out-of-pocket spending limits and deductible minimums for high deductible health plans (HDHPs) that must be used in conjunction with HSAs [Rev. Proc. 2024-25, 5-9-24].

Meet our New Membership Director, Holly Petrilli, CPP. Holly currently works for Yokohama Tire Corporation’s HR department as their Director, Payroll & HRIS, headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. In her current role, she is functioning as the department head and subject-matter expert for all things Payroll & HR Systems. She loves that she can exercise her analytical side, and that payroll is such an interesting niche field!

We have another new Board Member – Jaime Brogdon is our new National Liaison Officer. Jaime embarked on her professional journey in 1998 within the realm of payroll at a distinguished pipeline construction company. In 2000, she transitioned to a dynamic role as a Corporate Administrator at a recruiting company. During her tenure of 14 years, Jaime adeptly managed payroll and HR responsibilities for a workforce exceeding 100 employees across the nation.

The OCCAPA would like to announce another new board member. Please welcome Miya Vu, CPP who is our new Social Director. Miya does the planning of the social activities for the OCCAPA. In addition she will be taking photos at our events. We are so happy and very lucky to have Miya. Everyone a big round of applause and congratulations to Miya

I am honored to welcome our new and returning members as your 2024-2025 Orange County Chapter of the American Payroll Association (OCCAPA) President. As I enter my first year as President of OCCPA, I notice that our Chapter has never been more relevant for our members and followers, payroll professionals, and HR professionals! You make our Chapter strong and amazing.

The IRS released the 2024 Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods, as well as the 2024 Forms W-4, W-4P, and W-4R. Employees and payees may now use the IRS’s tax withholding estimator when completing their 2024 Form W-4 and Form W-4P.

The IRS announced that the business standard mileage rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred beginning January 1, 2024, will be 67 cents per mile, up 1.5 cents from 65.5 cents per mile for 2023.

Effective January 1, 2024, employees in California will be entitled to additional paid sick leave (PSL). The amount of PSL that an employee can take in one year will increase: the use cap will increase to 40 hours or five days in a year from 24 hours or three days in a year [S.B. 616, L. 2023].