December 12, 2020

Florida E-Verify and form-I9 supporting document retention

Senate Bill (SB 664): Effective January 1, 2021, requires public employers, contractors, and subcontractors to use E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. While private employers are not required to utilize the E-Verify system under this law, for those who choose not to use E-Verify, private employers are now required to retain the documentation used to complete the form I-9, which is presently optional under federal law. A summary of the law can be found here.

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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December 12, 2020

6 ways your employees can spend leftover FSA funds

With the end of year in sight, many are hunting for ways to use up FSA money that’s been diligently socked away all year. Here are a few suggestions for you and your employees on how and where to “use it before you lose it!”

1. Specialty services

Now might be a good time to book that specialty appointment you’ve been putting off. FSA funds can be used towards Acupuncture, Chiropractor, Psychologist, and Therapy appointments. Additionally, with a physician’s diagnosis, you may be able to use your FSA funds for weight loss programs.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are FSA-eligible, so it’s an opportune time to stock up on over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medications, and cold and flu products. Smoking cessation products can also be purchased with your FSA funds.

3. Sun-protection products

It’s hard to believe when many of us are venturing into sub-freezing temperatures, but there’s only half a year left until we start thinking about hitting the beach again. Both adult and children sunscreens are expenses that can be covered with FSA funds, so don’t hesitate to stock up on sun-protection products in preparation for warmer days ahead.

4. Feminine products

Not only can FSA funds cover basic menstrual care products, but they can also cover birth control and contraceptive devices, pregnancy tests, and acne treatments. These products can get expensive throughout the year – your pre-tax FSA dollars can help allay that cost.

5. Eye and Dental care

Health insurance only covers so much, especially when it comes to dental and vision. One of the most popular ways to use FSA funds are on the wide variety of eye and dental care costs, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, ophthalmology appointments, dentist visits, dentures, and other necessary dental procedures.

6. Babies and Children

Did you know FSA funds can cover fertility treatments and breast-feeding supplies? Once the new little bundle has arrived, there are a variety of products your FSA funds will cover including baby monitors, oxygen monitors, thermometers, vitamins, and more.

Take note that many employers offer a grace period, which will of course affect the timeline during which you can use excess FSA funds. As you can see, there are several practical options to take advantage of leftover FSA dollars – don’t miss out!

For a full list of FSA-eligible items, check out the FSA Store! >>

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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December 12, 2020

Seattle, Washington payroll expense tax

Effective January 1, 2021, the City of Seattle will impose a payroll expense tax on every business in the city that meets the following requirements: (1) the business must have had $7 million or more in Seattle-based payroll for the prior calendar year; and (2) the business must have employees with current annual compensation of at least $150k or more. A summary of this tax can be found here >>

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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December 12, 2020

St. Louis, Missouri ban the box ordinance

Effective January 1, 2021, private employers with at least ten employees in the city of St. Louis will be restricted in their ability to base hiring or promotion decisions on an applicant’s criminal history. A summary of the ordinance can be found here >>

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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December 12, 2020

Maine earned paid leave

Effective January 1, 2021, Maine employers with 10 or more employees (excluding seasonal industries) must provide employees one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours of paid leave per year, for any reason. A summary of the law can be found here >>

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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