The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has launched two new departments: (1) The Wage Theft Crime Unit and (2) The Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) both of which are designed to "combat the underground economy" and "crack down on businesses that do not follow the state's labor laws — hiring employees off the books and paying them under the table." According to the DIR, "These underground operations subsequently pay lower overhead costs which give them an unfair competitive [...]

Today, the IRS announced a plan to help taxpayers who: (1) are unemployed at least 30 consecutive days during 2011 or in 2012 up to the April 17 deadline; OR (2) are self-employed but have reduced business income of at least 25% in 2011. Under the plan, qualifying taxpayers can file IRS Form 1127A which will give a 6 month grace period (until October 15, 2012) for the qualifying taxpayer to pay his or her outstanding tax bill. To qualify for relief, the eligible taxpayer’s income cannot exceed $100,000 if filing as [...]

As the March 15 corporate tax filing deadline approaches, we are reminding small businesses to take advantage of the small business health care tax credit. This is a tax credit not a mere deduction. The tax credit is part of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (more commonly known as ObamaCare). The tax credit is worth up to 35% of a small business's premium costs (25% for tax-exempt employers). In 2014, this rate increases to 50% (35% for tax-exempt employers). Again, this is a TAX CREDIT not a mere deduction.

Eligible small employers will need to complete [...]