Posts by Insurance News Editor
Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) Or Employee?
It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments…
Read MoreKnow Who You’re Hiring – Independent Contractor (Self-employed) vs. Employee
A business may pay an independent contractor and an employee for the same or similar work, but there are important legal differences between the two. For the employee, the company withholds income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from wages paid. For the independent contractor, the company does not withhold taxes. Employment and labor laws also do not apply to independent contractors.…
Read MoreIN: Independent Contractor Or Employee: What’s The Difference?
Dear Valued Customer, What exactly is an “independent contractor”? According to the IRS, The general rule is that an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done. The earnings of…
Read MoreIN: Protection Against Identity Theft & Cybercrime
Dear Valued Customer, Did you get a notice that says a company lost your personal information in a data breach? What can you do to keep your personal info secure? Are identity protection services worth the cost? These questions and many more are answered in this issue of the “——————–.” While we continue to build…
Read MoreWorkplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. Briefly, sexual harassment refers to both unwelcome sexual advances, or other visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature and actions that create an intimidating,…
Read MoreFacts About Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for…
Read MoreWhat Is Considered Sexual Harassment?
It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks…
Read MoreDrugged Driving & Marijuana-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs is causing an increasing number of crashes and fatalities. A 2013/2014 survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that approximately 20 percent of weekend, nighttime drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications. NHTSA also reveals that the number of drivers killed in crashes who tested positive for…
Read MoreHow employers and insurers are affected by a patchwork of state marijuana laws
The spread of marijuana legalization continues apace. More than 30 states and the District of Columbia now have programs that allow qualifying patients to access medical marijuana products. Another 13 states permit non-intoxicating medical products. Eleven states and D.C. permit recreational marijuana, where adults over the age of 21 can possess and use the drug.…
Read MoreIN: Cannabis and the marketplace: Haze of confusion
Dear Valued Customer, More states are passing legislation permitting medical and/or recreational marijuana use, which raises concerns about users driving under the influence of marijuana.It’s important to understand that smoking often causes almost immediate intoxication, with impairment typically lasting 2 to 4 hours. Intoxication onset is more delayed for other methods, sometimes up to two…
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