On March 1, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2021-20 to provide guidance for employers claiming the 2020 employer retention tax credit. This tax credit was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to encourage employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardships related to COVID-19.
Golden State Stimulus
DOL Guidance on COVID-19 Relief for Employee Benefit Plans
On Feb. 26, 2021, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01 to provide guidance on the duration of the COVID-19-related relief regarding certain employee benefit plan deadlines during the Outbreak Period.
California FAQ's on Workforce Pay and Data Reporting Requirement
Employers that have any employees in California may be subject to a new state law that requires annual reporting, according to answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) issued by the state’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) on Feb. 16, 2021.
The FAQs provide this and other information about Senate Bill 973 (SB 973), which requires employers to file information about their employees’ pay and work hours with the DFEH every year, starting in 2021.
FDA Says Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Is Safe and Effective
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released an analysis that found that Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. According to the FDA, the vaccine meets requirements for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).