A dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) lets participants set aside pre-tax dollars to help pay for dependent care. Contributing to this benefit reduces taxable income and spreads the benefits of pre-tax dollars throughout the year, helping individuals save 30 percent or more (based on their tax rate) on dependent care costs. Dependent Care...
The season for filing taxes is upon us once again. We’re getting closer to the deadline for filing for 2023. We wanted to share a few tips and reminders about health savings accounts (HSA) you’ll need for your tax return. HSA Tax Prep Checklist Check your W-2 for HSA payroll contributions Get your 1099-SA form...
Health savings accounts (HSAs) have become increasingly popular but they often come with misconceptions. To help employees make informed decisions, let’s debunk common HSA myths and shed light on the HSA facts that matter. HSA Fact #1: HSAs are Employee-Owned While employers may choose to contribute to an employees’ HSA, it’s important for employees...
Expanded public transit. The rise and rebound of ridesharing. Increased work-from-home arrangements. The work commute has changed a lot recently, as lawmakers and civic officials grapple with how to effectively support people traveling to and through ever-growing cities. New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia and Seattle are among cities that have enacted laws and...
What are pre-tax savings and post-tax savings? Understanding taxes relating to health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and other benefits plans can be time-consuming and difficult to explain. Pre-tax savings are tied directly to FICA taxes. You may be wondering what FICA is and how does pre-tax savings work for HSAs and FSAs?...
In 2023, mental health became a top priority for employees and employers. According to a SHRM study, 41% of U.S. employees said they would likely or would very likely leave their current job if they were offered a new position with significantly improved mental health benefits. While many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), it’s...
Welcome to 2024! As we get ready for another year of sharing the latest benefits trends and practical tips to enhance you and your employees’ benefits experience, let’s look back at our most popular blog posts from 2023. Get the Best Results from Your Benefit Budget Conversations Benefits are critical for attracting and retaining...
As we age, the importance of maintaining safe mobility within our home becomes critical. It is crucial to understand how to save money on common at-home expenses with health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). From home modifications to adaptive equipment, creating an environment that not only nurtures a person’s well-being but also...
Did you know that, when employees were asked on a scale of 1 to 10 how confident they are in their understanding of their benefits, 34% chose 7 or less. Only 25% responded with a 10. That was just one of the findings from a survey of benefits participants WEX launched in May 2023. Often,...
Many employers offer employees wellness programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle. A common motivator behind employee wellness programs are incentives and prizes awarded for participation. Understanding what types of incentives to utilize can be tricky. Incentives need to be something that the employee wants so they are motivated to act but not something that they will be taxed on. There is a difference between a taxable and a non-taxable incentive. Taxable incentives include cash and non-cash payments such as bonuses paid.
Here are a few examples of non-taxable incentives that employees will enjoy:
Provide healthy snacks to your employees.
Most everyone loves it when there is free food offered. Offer fruit, oatmeal or granola rather than donuts, muffins or Danishes.
Hand out company-branded items.
Give out sweatshirts, coffee mugs, backpacks, water bottles and stress balls as prizes to your employees.
Offer discounts on popular fitness brands and items.
Offering a discount for these items will encourage your employees to get involved.
Decrease the insurance premiums.
Talk about motivation! Encourage an employee to drop a bad habit by offering to decrease premiums. It’s a win-win for the employee.
Add funds to an employee’s HSA or FSA.
Offer a contribution if an employee participates in a health screening.
The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not investment, legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own counsel. To stay up to date on benefits trends and insights, subscribe to our blog.
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