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  • Oct 23 / 2023
What's New

IRS Issues Federal ‘High-Low’ Per Diem Rates Effective October 1

The IRS has released the optional “high-low” per diem rates for lodging expenses and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) that may be used instead of the General Services Administration’s “actual” per diem rates for travel to locations within the continental U.S. (CONUS), the special federal M&IE per diem rates applicable to the transportation industry, and the per diem rate for incidental expenses. The updated high-low rates apply for travel undertaken on or after October 1, 2023 [Notice 2023-68, 9-25-23].
High-Low Rates
The “high” rate for lodging expenses and M&IE increases to $309 (from $297) for travel to any high-cost locality, while the “low” rate increases to $214 (from $204) for travel to any other locality within CONUS. The rates for M&IE remain at $74 for high-cost localities and $64 for any other locality within CONUS.
Changes to High-Cost Localities
Notice 2023-68 contains an updated list of high-cost localities, which now includes Yosemite National Park, Calif.; Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Missoula, Mont.; Saratoga Springs/Schenectady, N.Y.; Eugene/Florence, Ore.; and Montpelier, Vt.
The portions of the year for which some localities are considered high-cost has also been adjusted, and four localities have been removed from the list.
Other Items
Transportation industry rates. The federal M&IE rates for the transportation industry remain at $69 for any locality of travel within CONUS and $74 for any locality of travel outside the continental U.S.
Incidental expenses. Instead of using actual expenses in computing the amount allowable as a deduction for ordinary and necessary incidental expenses paid or incurred for travel away from home, an employee or self-employed individual may use an amount computed at the rate of $5 (unchanged) per day for each calendar day (or partial day) he or she is away from home.

Courtesy of PyrollOrg

  • Oct 23 / 2023
What's New

Wage Base Increases to $168,600 for 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Thursday, October 12, that the 2024 social security wage base will be $168,600, which is an increase of $8,400 from $160,200 in 2023 [SSA, Press Release, 10-12-23]. The SSA Fact Sheet is available at https://www.payroll.org/docs/default-source/irs-and-ssa-announcements/23k12-2024-Social-Security-Fact-Sheet.pdf.
Maximum social security tax. The maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay in is $10,453.20, an increase of $520.80 from $9,932.40 in 2023.

Courtesy of PayrollOrg

  • Aug 20 / 2023
What's New

USCIS Releases Revised Form I-9 to Be Used by November 1

On August 1, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with an edition date of 8-1-23. USCIS encourages employers to begin using the new version as soon as possible, but the previous Form I-9 (edition date of 10-21-19) may be used through October 31. Starting November 1, all employers must use the 8-1-23 edition of Form I-9.

Employers do not need to complete a new Form I-9 for current employees who already have a properly completed Form I-9 on file unless reverification applies to them after October 31, 2023.

Revisions to Form I-9

The following are some of the revisions to the Form I-9:

  • Sections 1 and 2 are now a single-sided sheet.
  • The Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area is now standalone Supplement A that employers can provide to employees when necessary.
  • Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, is now standalone Supplement B that employers can print for rehires or reverification.
  • The form has been redesigned to be fillable on tablets and mobile devices.
  • The notice at the top of Form I-9 was updated to explain how to avoid discrimination in the Form I-9 process.
  • The Lists of Acceptable Documents page has been redesigned.
  • The instructions have been reduced from 15 to eight pages.
  • The abbreviations charts were moved to the M-274, Handbook for Employers: Guidance for Completing Form I-9.
  • A new checkbox was added to allow certain employers to indicate they examined Form I-9 documentation remotely under a new alternative procedure rather than via physical examination.
  • Aug 15 / 2023
What's New

California Facing Potential 2023 Credit Reduction

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently updated the outstanding loan balances within state/territory Federal Unemployment Accounts (FUAs). As of August 10, 2023, California, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands carry balances in their FUA loans. California’s outstanding balance was $17.9 billion US dollars, while New York’s balance was $6.5B USD (source USDOL).

If these states still have unpaid loans on November 10, 2023, employers within these states have additional FUTA credit reductions in 2023. States that have an outstanding FUA loan on January 1 of at least two consecutive years and on November 10 of the second year, the states are subject to a credit reduction on their Federal Unemployment Tax rate until the loan has been paid off. If a loan continues to be unpaid on subsequent years, the credit reduction increases by 0.3%. States that make an effort to keep their balances in check have some opportunities to avoid the reduction fee. If California continues to have an outstanding balance, the reduction increases to 0.6%, and the supplementary FUTA tax would be due by January 31, 2024.

  • Aug 15 / 2023
What's New

California Minimum Wage Increase to $16 Per Hour Starting January 1, 2024

California’s Director of Finance has officially endorsed a minimum wage increase to $16 per hour for all California employers starting January 1, 2024, following an annual review by the Department of Finance. This review evaluates inflation’s impact and aligns with state Labor Code criteria. The adjustment also raises the base salary requirement for employees classified under “white collar” exemptions, necessitating a fixed salary of at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time work. Read more at aalrr.com 

  • Apr 19 / 2023
What's New

APA FPC/CPP Payroll Certification program


The 
payroll industry is dynamic and ever-changing. Each year, federal, state, and local legislative changes affect how payroll is administered. Payroll professionals must keep their knowledge up to date to avoid hefty noncompliance fines.  Register for our program and let us help you advance your knowledge and prepare to take and pass the FPC or CPP certification exam this year!  Our live, instructor led program prepares you for either exam and exam cost is included in our program fee. Program runs from 9am to 4pm and it’s virtual live.   

Eligibility Requirements for FPC and CPP Examinations/Certification

There are no payroll experience requirements to take the FPC exam. However, to be eligible to sit for the CPP exam, the American Payroll Association (APA) requires that candidates meet specific payroll experience or educational criteria. See the links below for details on each certification option.  

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The FPC is a certification credential for those new to payroll and sales, service and support professionals. The exam is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. For more information visit: www.americanpayroll.org/certification

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) 

The CPP is a certification credential for experienced payroll professionals. To qualify for CPP certification, candidates at a minimum must have three years of payroll practice in the five years prior to taking the exam. For more information

visit: www.americanpayroll.org/certification

Prove Your Payroll Expertise

American Payroll Association’s payroll credentials, FPC and CPP, offer career growth, advancement, and recognition. Certification can help you:

  • Increase your salary.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to being an expert in the payroll field.
  • Boost your confidence and recognition.
  • Set you apart from colleagues and make you more valuable to your organization.

 Program Details – What’s Included

  • Learn from a knowledgeable instructor who provides expertise, insight and one-on-one guidance.
  • Network, share experiences and discuss topics with a diverse group of payroll professionals.
  • Stay on track toward earning your certification with a structured learning experience and instructor support.
  • Program fee includes all books and actual CPP or FPC exam
  • Gain 24/7 access to our online learning system designed to help you understand, apply, and engage with relevant payroll content and online exercises.  Online modules are aligned with the FPC and CPP exams, and interactive study tools are available to test your knowledge, skills, and abilities are incorporated into the study process.
  • Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of La Verne. 

Scheduling Your Exam

For best results, we recommend scheduling your certification exam for a date that is after the end of our program. See details for our program and exam window.  For more details on how to apply for your exam, visit www.americanpayroll.org/certification

ACTUAL VIRTUAL LIVE CLASS DATES AND TIMES

Saturdays – March 4th through April 8th
9am to 4pm
6 Sessions

The exam is offered in North America during the following windows:

Spring 2023
Registration: November 7, 2022 – April 14, 2023
Exam: January 9 – April 15, 2023

Fall 2023
Registration: July 5 – October 6, 2023
Exam: September 9 – October 7, 2023

Exams administered from September 10, 2022 through September 8, 2023, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2022.

Exams administered from September 9, 2023 through September 7, 2024, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2023.

Program Outline

Our comprehensive program provides participants with a solid understanding of advanced payroll topics necessary for payroll managers and supervisors responsible for their organization’s compliance. This program is ideal for experienced payroll professionals seeking compliance training, professional development, or CPP/FPC exam preparation.

Topics include the advanced study of:

  • Payroll Concepts
  • Calculations of Pay
  • Calculations of Deductions and Net Pay
  • Fringe Benefits and Other Payments
  • Retirement Plans
  • Cafeteria Plans
  • Payroll Reporting and Employment Taxes
  • Record Keeping and Payroll Practices
  • Payroll Accounting and Audits
  • Payroll Administration and Management
  • Health Benefits
  • International Payments

We look forward to working with you.   For additional questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 909-225-7309.  Thanks, Jaimie

  • Oct 30 / 2022
What's New

IRS Announces 2023 Retirement Plan Contribution, Benefit Limits

The IRS announced the changes to the dollar limits on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, as well as other items, for tax year 2023 [Notice 2022-55, 10-21-22].

IRC §415, which provides for dollar limits on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, requires that the IRS annually adjust these limits for cost-of-living changes. The IRC also requires various other amounts to be adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as these dollar limits.

The limitation on the exclusion for elective deferrals under §402(g)(1) (e.g., §401(k) and §403(b) plans) increases to $22,500 (from $20,500).

Courtesy of the APA – Jyme Mariani, Esq.

  • Oct 30 / 2022
What's New

Social Security Wage Base Increases to $160,200 for 2023

On October 13, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the 2023 social security wage base will be $160,200, which is an increase of $13,200 from $147,000 in 2022 [SSA, Press Release, 10-13-22]. The SSA Fact Sheet is available at https://www.americanpayroll.org/compliance/compliance-overview/annual-irs-annoucements.

Maximum social security tax. The maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay in is $9,932.40, an increase of $818.40 from $9,114.00 in 2022.

Courtesy of the APA – Jyme Mariani, Esq.

  • Oct 30 / 2022
What's New

IRS Announces 2023 COLAs for Transportation Fringes, FSA Deferrals

The IRS released cost-of-living-adjustments (COLAs) for 2023 reflecting any increases in excludable transportation fringes and the flexible spending arrangement (FSA) deferral limit, among other changes [Rev. Proc. 2022-38, 10-18-22].

Transportation Fringes

For 2023, the amounts that may be excluded from gross income for employer-provided qualified transportation fringe benefits and qualified parking increase to $300 per month ($280 in 2022).

FSA Deferrals

For plan years beginning in 2023, the dollar limitation for voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health FSAs increases to $3,050 ($2,850 in 2022). For cafeteria plans that permit the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount increases to $610 ($570 in 2022).

Courtesy of the APA – Jyme Mariani, Esq.

OCCAPA: Network. Learn. Succeed.