Vision Payroll

In IR-2008-118, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an increase for 2009 in the compensation limitation from $230,000 to $245,000 under §401(a)(17), §404(l), §408(k)(3)(C), and §408(k)(6)(D)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC). The contribution limit under IRC §415(c)(1)(A) for defined contribution plans also increased from $46,000 to $49,000. This limit does not include the age 50 and over catch-up contribution when applicable, thereby increasing the total limitation for eligible taxpayers in qualifying plans from $51,000 to $54,500. Contact Vision Payroll if you have questions on changes to the 2009 Retirement Plan Contribution and Compensation Limitations.

In IR-2008-118, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced increases to the limits on deferral contributions for 2009 under §401(k), §403(b), and §457(e)(15). These limitations are codified in those sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC). Under IRC §415, the Commissioner of the IRS is required to adjust the plan limitations to keep pace with inflation. For 2009, the deferral contribution limitation will increase from $15,500 for 2008 to $16,500 for 2009. The age 50 and over catch-up contribution will also increase from $5,000 for 2008 to $5,500 for 2009 for individuals who plan to reach age 50 before the end of 2009. Contact Vision Payroll if you have questions on changes to these deferral contribution limits.

In IR-2008-118, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced increases to the limits on SIMPLE plan contributions for 2009. The limitation for SIMPLE plans is codified in §408(p)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC). This section also requires annual adjustments as necessary to keep pace with inflation in a manner similar to that required by IRC §415 for retirement plans. For 2009, the SIMPLE plan regular limitation will increase from $10,500 for 2008 to $11,500 for 2009. The age 50 and over catch-up contribution remains at $2,500 for individuals who plan to reach age 50 before the end of 2009. Contact Vision Payroll if you have questions on changes to the SIMPLE plan contribution limits.

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), employers in the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino directly affected by the damage resulting from the fire may request up to a 60-day extension of time from EDD to file their State payroll reports and/or deposit State payroll taxes without penalty or interest. The written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return to file/pay. Contact Vision Payroll if you’ve been affected and need to file the extension request.

This week’s question comes from Roseanne, a payroll manager. When will the 2009 Social Security wage base be announced? Answer: The US Department of Labor has just announced that the 2009 Social Security Wage Base will increase by $4,800 to $106,800. Since wages are taxed at a rate of 6.2%, the maximum tax to be paid by each employee will therefore increase to $6,621.60 or an increase of $297.60. The increase impacts about 7% of workers who pay Social Security Tax. Vision Payroll will automatically update its system for 2009 to reflect the higher wage base.

According to the US Department of Labor, in the week ending October 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 461,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 477,000. It is estimated that the effects of Hurricane Ike in Texas added approximately 12,000 claims to the total. The 4-week moving average was 483,250, an increase of 750 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 482,500.

Today and on the fifteenth of every month, Vision Payroll posts a new HRCast, a recording provided by our team of HR Pros. These recordings help you better manage your business and your most important asset, your employees. In prior months, topics covered included hiring tips, the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees, the independent contractor vs. the employee, and relationships in the workplace. These recordings run between five and ten minutes and provide a great overview of the topic. Search our HR site for more information on the topic or pose a question to our team of experts and receive your answer within one business day. If you’re not yet signed up or would like a free trial of MyHRSupportCenter, contact Vision Payroll today.

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry announced recently that pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 39-3-409, the minimum wage for the state of Montana will increase to $6.90 per hour. The law requires an adjustment to the minimum wage that must be calculated no later than September 30 of each year. The adjustment is tied to the US City Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers for All Items for the 12 months ending in August. The 5.4% increase in the CPI will result in an increase of $0.35 for 2009. Contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions on the Montana minimum wage increase or visit our Minimum Wage Chart.

Todd Smith, Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR), recently announced that the Missouri minimum wage will increase $0.40 effective January 1, 2009. Under Section 290.502.2, RSMo (Missouri Revised Statutes), the DOLIR director must calculate an adjustment to the minimum wage based on changes to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July to July. Changes are rounded to the nearest 5¢ and take effect the following January. This year’s change will increase the minimum wage from $6.65 to $7.05 per hour for covered workers. Contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions on the Missouri minimum wage increase or visit our Minimum Wage Chart.

The Division of Labor of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment recently promulgated Colorado Minimum Wage Order 25 which increases, effective January 1, 2009, the minimum wage for the state of Colorado from $7.02 to $7.28 per hour. Pursuant to the inflation adjusted requirement of Section 15, Article XVIII of the Colorado Constitution, the minimum wage must be adjusted each year effective January 1. Contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions on the Colorado minimum wage increase or visit our Minimum Wage Chart.