fica and medicare tax rates: 6.2% 1.45% 2.35% · fica and medicare tax rates: the fica rate remains...

1

December, 2018 It’s time again for the annual payroll letter. The following pages include payroll and other miscellaneous information that may be helpful in fulfilling your payroll and related reporting responsibilities. Following is an overview of the payroll tax rates and other payroll related information in effect in 2019:

FICA and Medicare Tax Rates: The FICA rate remains set at 6.2%. The Medicare rate remains

at 1.45% on the first $200,000 of wages and 2.35% on all wages in excess of $200,000 per

employee.

Social Security Wage Limit: The social security wage base increases to $132,900.

SDI Rate: The SDI rate remains at 1.0% (including family leave component). The wage base

increases to $118,371.

Standard Business Mileage Rate: The standard business mileage rate increases to 58 cents per

mile.

401(k) Contributions: The maximum 401(k) contribution increases to $19,000 with a $6,000

“catch up” provision (applies if employee reaches age 50 in 2019).

Defined Contribution Plans: The maximum pay-in to defined contribution plans increases to

$56,000 on a salary base of $280,000. The catch up provision is $6,000 for individuals age 50

and over.

FUTA Tax Rate: FUTA rate is 0.6% on a wage base of $7,000 per employee.

Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2019, the California minimum wage will increase to

$12.00/hr. for employers with 26 or more employees. For employers with 25 or fewer

employees, the minimum wage increases to $11.00/hr.

For your convenience, we have included a copy of the following forms with instructions:

Notice 797 Notice for employee about Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

2019 W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

DE-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

DE-34 Report of New Employee(s)

DE-542 Report of Independent Contractor(s)

Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

Additionally, we have uploaded a copy of the payroll letter including all forms and instructions to our

website, www.sorenmcadam.com. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

2019 Payroll Rates and Limits – p. 1 of 2

2019 Payroll Rates and Limits

Employee Withholding

Beginning with the first check written to each employee in January, 2019, employers are required to deduct the following taxes:

6.2% Social Security tax on the first $132,900 paid.

1.45%/ Medicare Hospital Insurance: 1.45% on the first $200,000 of wages and an 2.35% additional 0.9% on wages exceeding $200,000. The additional 0.9% tax is withheld

from employee pay, and is not subject to the employer match.

1.0% State Disability Insurance on the first $118,371 earned. An employee’s maximum Disability Insurance deduction for 2019 will be 1.0% on $118,371 or $1,183.71 (this includes the rate for Paid Family Leave). Covered wages include the amount of cash tips received by any worker in any calendar month when they amount to $20 or more.

The federal income tax withholding rates are contained in Circular E, Publication 15 (Revised January 2019). The state income tax withholding tables and formulas are contained in “2019 California Employers’ Guide,” DE 44 (1-18).

Employer Taxes

Employers will be required to pay the following taxes on each employee’s wages paid in 2019:

6.2% Social Security tax on the first $132,900 earned. This will amount to a maximum of $8,239.80 for each employee.

1.45% Medicare Hospital Insurance on all 2019 earnings. There is no maximum deduction.

0.6% Federal Unemployment Tax rate is 0.6% on a wage base of $7,000 per employee.

Varies State Unemployment Insurance on the first $7,000 earned. The state notifies each employer during December of 2018 of the appropriate rate for 2019.

Minimum Wage

Effective January 1, 2019, the minimum hourly wage in California will increase to $12.00 per hour for wages paid by employers with 26 or more employees. For wages paid by employers with 25 or fewer employees, the minimum hourly wage in California will increase to $11.00 per hour.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Effective January 1, 2008, California requires all employers to notify all employees that they may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This notification must be provided within one week before or after, or at the same time, the employer provides a Form W-2 to an employee. The notification is usually printed on the back of the employee’s copy of the W-2. If you prepare W-2’s and the forms you use do not contain the notification, you can copy and insert the notice here included.

2019 Payroll Rates and Limits – p. 2 of 2

General

No employee eighteen years of age or over shall work more than eight hours in any workday unless the employee receives one and one-half times such employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked over eight hours in the workday. These overtime rules are more complicated than they appear on the surface. Please call us with your questions. By now you should have been notified of your federal payroll tax deposit requirements for 2019 (quarterly, monthly, or semi-weekly). Report of new employees: Complete and file form DE-34 “Report of New Employees” within 20 days of the start-to-work date of a new employee. Report of Independent Contractors: Complete and file form DE 542 “Report of Independent Contractors” within 20 days or the earlier of: making payment(s) of $600 or more; or entering into a contract for $600 or more in any calendar year.

Household Employers

For federal purposes, if you pay cash wages of $2,100 or more to any household employee during 2019, you will need to follow the rules explained in IRS Publication 926 for tax withholding and paying taxes, as well as filing requirements. For California purposes, if you pay $750 or more to a person for household services in a calendar quarter, you will be required to pay SDI on those wages; if you pay $1,000 or more in a calendar quarter, you will be required to pay unemployment insurance. Refer to the 2019 Household Employers’ Guide, publication DE-44 (1-18) for information on withholding and paying taxes, as well as filing requirements. For more information about payroll processing and filing, you can download appropriate publications from the IRS website at IRS.gov/forms-instructions, or call 1-800-829-3676; and the EDD Website at EDD.ca.gov and go to Forms & Publications or call 1-888-745-3886.

Paid Sick Leave Effective July 1, 2015, all employers are required to provide paid sick leave to California employees who work at least 30 days from the commencement of employment. The mandate does not apply to:

Employees, including construction workers, covered by certain collective bargaining agreements; In-home supportive service workers; and Certain flight deck and cabin crew employees of air carriers.

The paid sick time accrues at the rate of one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. An employer may limit an employee’s use of paid sick days to 24 hours or 3 days in each year of employment. Employees can start using the sick time beginning on the 90th day of employment. The leave may be used for taking care of a child, parent, spouse or registered domestic partner, sibling, or grandparent. Children or parents do not have to be blood or even “legal” relatives. It also may be used for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or to attend to nonmedical issues.

REPORT OFINDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR(S) 05420101See detailed instructions on reverse side. Please type or print.

SERVICE-PROVIDER (INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR):

ADDRESS

DATE CA EMPLOYER ACCOUNT NUMBER

SERVICE-RECIPIENT (BUSINESS OR GOVERNMENT ENTITY):

SERVICE-RECIPIENT NAME / BUSINESS NAME

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

NUMBER

FEDERAL ID NUMBER

ZIP CODE

CONTACT PERSON

CITY STATE

FIRST NAME MI LAST NAME

START DATE OF CONTRACT CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE CHECK HERE IF CONTRACT IS ONGOING

CHECK HERE IF CONTRACT IS ONGOING

CHECK HERE IF CONTRACT IS ONGOING

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER STREET NUMBER STREET NAME UNIT/APT

ZIP CODESTATECITY

FIRST NAME MI

START DATE OF CONTRACT CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE


ZIP CODESTATECITY

FIRST NAME MI LAST NAME

START DATE OF CONTRACT CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE


ZIP CODESTATECITY

M M D D Y Y

M M D D Y Y

M M D D Y Y

M M D D Y Y

M M D D Y Y

M M D D Y Y

AMOUNT OF CONTRACT

AMOUNT OF CONTRACT

AMOUNT OF CONTRACT

,

,

,

,

,

,

.

.

.

MAIL TO: Employment Development Department • PO Box 997350, MIC 96 • Sacramento, CA 95899-7350 or Fax to 916-319-4410

DE 542 Rev. 9 (6-17) (INTERNET) Page 1 of 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING ALL OF THE ELEMENTS ON THE REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR(S), DE 542

WHO MUST REPORT:

Information Sheet: Employment Work Status Determination, DE 231ES

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THAT APPLIES:

HOW TO COMPLETE THIS FORM:

handwrite this form

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/Independent_Contractor_Reporting.htm

California Employer’s Guide, DE 44, and on our web page at .

• www.edd.ca.gov/Forms/.• 916-322-2835.• 916-657-0529 or call 888-745-3886.

HOW TO REPORT:

www.edd.ca.gov/e-Services_for_Business.

mail it to:

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTPO Box 997350, MIC 96 Sacramento, CA 95899-7350

Service-Recipient (Business or Government Entity)••

• Social Security number• Service-recipient name/business name, address,

• Contact person

Service-Provider (Independent Contractor)• First name, middle initial, and last name• Social Security number (do not use FEIN)• Address•

••

contract is ongoing

FIRST NAME LAST NAMEMI


I M O G E N E A S A M P L E

X X X X X X X X X 1 2 3 4 5 M A I N S T R E E T 3 0 1STREET NAMESTREET NUMBER UNIT / APT.

FIRST NAME LAST NAMEMI


IMOGENE A SAMPLESTREET NUMBER STREET NAME UNIT / APT.

xxxxxxxxx 12345 MAIN STREET 301

DE 542 Rev. 9 (6-17) (INTERNET) Page 2 of 2 CU

USCISForm I-9

OMB No. 1615-0047 Expires 08/31/2019

Employment Eligibility Verification Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Form I-9 07/17/17 N Page 1 of 3

START HERE: Read instructions carefully before completing this form. The instructions must be available, either in paper or electronically,during completion of this form. Employers are liable for errors in the completion of this form.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE: It is illegal to discriminate against work-authorized individuals. Employers CANNOT specify which

document(s) an employee may present to establish employment authorization and identity. The refusal to hire or continue to employ

an individual because the documentation presented has a future expiration date may also constitute illegal discrimination.

Section 1. Employee Information and Attestation (Employees must complete and sign Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment, but not before accepting a job offer.)Last Name (Family Name) First Name (Given Name) Middle Initial Other Last Names Used (if any)

Address (Street Number and Name) Apt. Number City or Town State ZIP Code

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) U.S. Social Security Number

- -

Employee's E-mail Address Employee's Telephone Number

I am aware that federal law provides for imprisonment and/or fines for false statements or use of false documents in connection with the completion of this form.I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I am (check one of the following boxes):

1. A citizen of the United States

2. A noncitizen national of the United States (See instructions)

3. A lawful permanent resident

4. An alien authorized to work until

(See instructions)(expiration date, if applicable, mm/dd/yyyy):

(Alien Registration Number/USCIS Number):

Some aliens may write "N/A" in the expiration date field.

Aliens authorized to work must provide only one of the following document numbers to complete Form I-9:An Alien Registration Number/USCIS Number OR Form I-94 Admission Number OR Foreign Passport Number.

1. Alien Registration Number/USCIS Number:

2. Form I-94 Admission Number:

3. Foreign Passport Number:

Country of Issuance:

OR

OR

QR Code - Section 1

Do Not Write In This Space

Signature of Employee Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Preparer and/or Translator Certification (check one):I did not use a preparer or translator. A preparer(s) and/or translator(s) assisted the employee in completing Section 1.

(Fields below must be completed and signed when preparers and/or translators assist an employee in completing Section 1.)I attest, under penalty of perjury, that I have assisted in the completion of Section 1 of this form and that to the best of myknowledge the information is true and correct.Signature of Preparer or Translator Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Last Name (Family Name) First Name (Given Name)

Address (Street Number and Name) City or Town State ZIP Code

Employer Completes Next Page

Form I-9 07/17/17 N Page 2 of 3

USCISForm I-9

OMB No. 1615-0047 Expires 08/31/2019

Employment Eligibility Verification Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Section 2. Employer or Authorized Representative Review and Verification (Employers or their authorized representative must complete and sign Section 2 within 3 business days of the employee's first day of employment. You must physically examine one document from List A OR a combination of one document from List B and one document from List C as listed on the "Lists of Acceptable Documents.")

Last Name (Family Name) M.I.First Name (Given Name)Employee Info from Section 1

Citizenship/Immigration Status

List AIdentity and Employment Authorization Identity Employment Authorization

OR List B AND List C

Additional Information QR Code - Sections 2 & 3

Do Not Write In This Space

Document Title

Issuing Authority

Document Number

Expiration Date (if any)(mm/dd/yyyy)

Document Title

Issuing Authority

Document Number


Document Title

Issuing Authority

Document Number


Document Title

Issuing Authority

Document Number


Document Title

Issuing Authority

Document Number


Certification: I attest, under penalty of perjury, that (1) I have examined the document(s) presented by the above-named employee, (2) the above-listed document(s) appear to be genuine and to relate to the employee named, and (3) to the best of my knowledge theemployee is authorized to work in the United States. The employee's first day of employment (mm/dd/yyyy): (See instructions for exemptions)

Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Title of Employer or Authorized Representative

Last Name of Employer or Authorized Representative First Name of Employer or Authorized Representative Employer's Business or Organization Name

Employer's Business or Organization Address (Street Number and Name) City or Town State ZIP Code

Section 3. Reverification and Rehires (To be completed and signed by employer or authorized representative.)A. New Name (if applicable)Last Name (Family Name) First Name (Given Name) Middle Initial

B. Date of Rehire (if applicable)Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Document Title Document Number Expiration Date (if any) (mm/dd/yyyy)

C. If the employee's previous grant of employment authorization has expired, provide the information for the document or receipt that establishes

continuing employment authorization in the space provided below.

I attest, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge, this employee is authorized to work in the United States, and if the employee presented document(s), the document(s) I have examined appear to be genuine and to relate to the individual. Signature of Employer or Authorized Representative Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Name of Employer or Authorized Representative

LISTS OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTSAll documents must be UNEXPIRED

Employees may present one selection from List A

or a combination of one selection from List B and one selection from List C.

LIST A

2. Permanent Resident Card or Alien

Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)

1. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card

3. Foreign passport that contains a

temporary I-551 stamp or temporary

I-551 printed notation on a machine-

readable immigrant visa

4. Employment Authorization Document

that contains a photograph (Form

I-766)

5. For a nonimmigrant alien authorized

to work for a specific employer

because of his or her status:

Documents that Establish Both Identity and

Employment Authorization

6. Passport from the Federated States of

Micronesia (FSM) or the Republic of

the Marshall Islands (RMI) with Form

I-94 or Form I-94A indicating

nonimmigrant admission under the

Compact of Free Association Between

the United States and the FSM or RMI

b. Form I-94 or Form I-94A that has

the following:

(1) The same name as the passport;

and

(2) An endorsement of the alien's

nonimmigrant status as long as

that period of endorsement has

not yet expired and the

proposed employment is not in

conflict with any restrictions or

limitations identified on the form.

a. Foreign passport; and

For persons under age 18 who are unable to present a document

listed above:

1. Driver's license or ID card issued by a

State or outlying possession of the

United States provided it contains a

photograph or information such as

name, date of birth, gender, height, eye

color, and address

9. Driver's license issued by a Canadian

government authority

3. School ID card with a photograph

6. Military dependent's ID card

7. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner

Card

8. Native American tribal document

10. School record or report card

11. Clinic, doctor, or hospital record

12. Day-care or nursery school record

2. ID card issued by federal, state or local

government agencies or entities,

provided it contains a photograph or

information such as name, date of birth,

gender, height, eye color, and address

4. Voter's registration card

5. U.S. Military card or draft record

Documents that EstablishIdentity

LIST B

OR AND

LIST C

7. Employment authorization

document issued by the

Department of Homeland Security

1. A Social Security Account Number

card, unless the card includes one of

the following restrictions:

2. Certification of report of birth issued

by the Department of State (Forms

DS-1350, FS-545, FS-240)

3. Original or certified copy of birth

certificate issued by a State,

county, municipal authority, or

territory of the United States

bearing an official seal

4. Native American tribal document

6. Identification Card for Use of

Resident Citizen in the United

States (Form I-179)

Documents that EstablishEmployment Authorization

5. U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)

(2) VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH

INS AUTHORIZATION

(3) VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH

DHS AUTHORIZATION

(1) NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT

Page 3 of 3Form I-9 07/17/17 N

Examples of many of these documents appear in Part 13 of the Handbook for Employers (M-274).

Refer to the instructions for more information about acceptable receipts.