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Contracted Employees: Will You Become a New Employer?

Posted on July 7, 2014 by

Many companies use contracted employees to avoid the cost of human resources services and benefits. Under these arrangements, a company will hire another company to provide the employees that will do all or a portion of the production work for the business. This has become a popular way to manage human resources costs and benefits. […]

Most Recent Final ACA Rules Address 90-Day Waiting Period: Getting Your “Orientation”

Posted on July 7, 2014 by

Recently, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, published final rules concerning the so-called “orientation” periods, which implicate the Affordable Care Act’s ban on waiting periods exceeding 90 days. The final rules go into effect on August 25, 2014, and are applicable for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. […]

It is Now EZier for Charities to File for Tax Exempt Status

Posted on July 2, 2014 by

On July 1, 2014, the IRS introduced the new Form 1023-EZ which is a shorter application form to help smaller charities apply for tax exempt status. The standard Form 1023 is a 26 page form that charities must complete in order to obtain tax exempt, or 501(c)(3), status with the IRS. The standard form can […]

The Role of Confidentiality Agreements in a Corporate Compliance Program

Posted on June 26, 2014 by

A recent federal court decision from Pennsylvania illustrates the importance of a confidentiality agreement as part of a compliance program. The Pennsylvania court found that a confidentiality agreement that had been signed by an employee restricted the ability of the whistleblower claimant to use confidential information to support its qui tam claim under the federal […]

No More Marijuana Taxes!

Posted on June 25, 2014 by

I can’t help but write a puff piece about the recent lawsuit filed in a Denver District Court earlier this week. In the lawsuit, the attorney is asking the court to block marijuana taxes in Colorado, claiming the state’s tax system violates the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from self-incrimination. The attorney argues that when […]

Quality and Cost Provider Scoring

Posted on June 19, 2014 by

Very recently, we have seen commercial payors begin to roll out provider scoring systems. Information about the specifics of these systems is still developing, so I am not providing details at this time. Some of you may have already encountered this issue in connection with United Health’s provider tiering system. Under this scoring system, payors […]

Wausau and Other Wisconsin Taxpayers Beware of Tax Jail Scam

Posted on June 19, 2014 by

I received a telephone call from a prospective client yesterday. Let s call her Suzie. Suzie called me asking for guidance on how to handle a phone call she received from the IRS. The caller stated on Suzie s voicemail that Suzie had 2 hours to return the call and resolve her tax issues or […]

Royal Flush! FBARs Due June 30th

Posted on June 18, 2014 by

This is your reminder that your Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Reports (FBARs) are due on June 30th. If you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a foreign financial account, including a bank account, brokerage account, mutual fund, trust, or other type of foreign financial account exceeding certain thresholds, you must report […]

When Was the Last Time You Dusted Off Your Non-Solicitation and Distribution Policy?

Posted on June 18, 2014 by

Many employers, in an effort to improve workplace productivity, efficiency and safety, implement so-called “Solicitation and Distribution of Materials” policies. These policies generally prohibit non-work-related communications by employees during work time, as well as distribution of non-work-related materials in work areas [or distribution in non-work areas by employees during work time]. These policies may also […]

Are Employment Application Questions About Convictions and Arrests Taboo?

Posted on June 16, 2014 by

Recently, several businesses have asked me to carefully scrutinize their employment application forms for compliance with state and federal law. Interestingly, one question that consistently arises is whether employers in Wisconsin are permitted to ask questions about convictions and arrests within employment application forms. I have found that there is a great deal of confusion […]