ACA Play or Pay: Affordability Percentage for 2019 | Illinois Benefits Brokers

On May 21, 2018, the IRS announced that the affordability percentage under the Affordable Care Act’s play or pay rules will increase to 9.86% for 2019 plan years. This is an increase from 9.56% for 2018 plan years. By way of background, the ACA’s employer shared responsibility provision – often called the employer mandate or … Continued

Health Plan PCORI Fees Are Due July 31 | Illinois Employee Benefits

Do you offer coverage to your employees through a self-insured group health plan? Do you sponsor a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)? If so, do you know whether your plan or HRA is subject to the annual Patient-Centered Research Outcomes Institute (PCORI) fee? This article answers frequently-asked questions about the PCORI fee, which plans are affected, … Continued

Quick Look: Medical Savings Accounts | Illinois Employee Benefits

Check out this infographic to learn all about medical savings accounts and how you can save money using them!

All About Medical Savings Accounts | Illinois Employee Benefits Advisors

Taking control of health care expenses is on the top of most people’s to-do list for 2018.  The average premium increase for 2018 is 18% for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.  So, how do you save money on health care when the costs seems to keep increasing faster than wage increases?  One way is through … Continued

IRS Releases New Form W-4 and Updates Withholding Calculator | Chicago Benefit Advisors

Our February 6 blog post on the February release of the Form W-4 and guidance on the income withholding rules that changed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On February 28, 2018, the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the new 2018 Form W-4 and an updated withholding calculator. Why a Withholding Calculator? The … Continued

Federal Employment Law Update – February 2018 | Chicago Benefits Advisors

IRS Releases Publication 15 and W-4 Withholding Guidance for 2018 On January 31, 2018, the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Publication 15 — Introductory Material, which includes the following: 2018 federal income tax withholding tables. Exempt Form W-4. New information on: Withholding allowance. Withholding on supplemental wages. Backup withholding. Moving expense reimbursement. Social Security … Continued

2018 W-4 Forms Won’t Be Released Until Late February | Chicago Benefit Advisors

If you’ve been getting questions from your employees about completing new 2018 W-4 forms to take advantage of the tax reform rules, we’ve finally received some answers. You can continue to rely on the current W-4 forms for now until the new 2018 form is released in late February. The January 29th Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice … Continued

Do I Still Need Life Insurance Once I Retire? Your Questions Answered | Illinois Benefit Advisors

Do I need life insurance once I retire? Just because you’re retired doesn’t necessarily mean you’re financially sound. Think of all the different scenarios that may still be applicable: You may have been required to retire early; you may have had investments that have gone sour and haven’t had time to rebuild your nest egg. … Continued

Nothing Is Certain, But Death and LESS Taxes… | Chicago Employee Benefits

On January 11, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service released its income tax withholding tables for 2018 reflecting changes made by the December 2017 tax reform legislation. The updated withholding information provides the new rates for employers to use during 2018. Employers are encouraged to use these tables as soon as possible but must use them by … Continued

IRS Extends Deadline for Employers to Furnish Forms 1095-C and 1095-B | Chicago Benefit Advisors

On December 22, 2017, the IRS released Notice 2018-06 to extend the due date for employers to furnish 2017 Form 1095-C or 1095-B under the Affordable Care Act’s employer reporting requirement. Employers will have an extra 30 days to prepare and distribute the 2017 form to individuals. The due dates for filing forms with the … Continued