Retirement Alert: New Contribution Limits in 2017
Section 415 of the Tax Code, which limits the allowable contribution amounts to retirement plans, is reviewed every year and cost-of-living adjustments are made. The IRS has determined that beginning in 2017, some of these limits will go up. The following contribution amounts will remain the same, at $18,000 per year: 401(k) plans 403(b) plans…
Don’t Lose Your Top Performers
Are your top performers satisfied at your business? Hopefully you have an open dialog with your employees, and you have an idea of how they’re feeling about their jobs. However, there are some things that signal an employee’s impending departure. A recent article from The Creative Group looks at these signs. Here are some things…
Election 2016: Your Obligations to Your Employees
Don’t worry, this isn’t another political post! As you know, election 2016 is imminent. Did you also know that in some states, employers have legal responsibilities on voting day? Attorney Richard Alaniz advises employers to familiarize themselves with their legal obligations and plan ahead. “With the election looming, companies that are required to offer time…
Managing Benefit Risks and Costs
A new study examined finance executives’ current views on retirement and benefits issues. Read some of the highlights from this new research. The comprehensive new study evaluates finance executives’ outlooks on a number of topics regarding defined benefit retirement programs. Overwhelmingly, they believe their ability to manage benefit risks and costs is essential to their…
Leadership Strategies: Focus on Strengths
There’s no such thing as a perfect employee. Everyone has something to contribute, and hopefully you have a solid team of dedicated professionals you can count on. However, all employees have areas they could improve. As the leader of your team, what is your approach? Do you focus more on developing their strengths or helping…
Should You Expand internationally?
Do you have a thriving business which is secure and ready for growth opportunities? Have you thought about expanding internationally? The U.S. government has resources for American businesses who are looking to get started internationally. The Department of Commerce has a site dedicated to this. Check out Export.gov for more information. There are both business…
Did You Miss Your Rollover Period? IRS Will Grant More Waivers
Just last week, the IRS announced that it could be easier to get a waiver for missing the 60-day deadline on retirement plan rollovers. This is great news for anyone who may have missed that deadline and would have incurred early distribution penalty taxes. Taxpayers can now apply for a one-time waiver – repeat requests…
Technology is Giving Business Owners Back Their Time
As a business owner, you have numerous demands on your time. The 40-hour workweek doesn’t exist for you. Even if there’s not a crisis, there is a constant stream of issues requiring your attention. Time is money, and no one knows that better than you. A recent study found that small business owners valued their…