Compliance Bulletin – Educational Assistance Programs Can Help Pay Student Loans Through 2025
The IRS is reminding employers who offer educational assistance programs that they can also use them to help pay for their employees’ student loans. Though educational assistance programs have been available for many years, the option to use them to pay for student loans has only been available for payments made after March 27, 2020. Under current law, this student loan provision is set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
In most cases, educational benefits are excluded from federal income tax withholding, Social Security tax, Medicare tax and federal employment (or FUTA) tax. By law, tax-free benefits under an educational assistance program are limited to $5,250 per employee per year, and assistance provided above this level is typically taxable as wages.
Legal Update: CMS Releases Cost-Sharing Limits for 2026 Plan Years
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the maximum limits on cost sharing for 2026 under the Affordable Care Act(ACA). For 2026, the maximum annual limitation on cost sharing is $10,150 for self-only coverage and $20,300 for family coverage. This represents an approximately 10.3% increase from the 2025 limits of $9,200 for self-only coverage and $18,400 for family coverage.
News Brief: Report Finds That Commuter Benefits May Help Employees Return to Office
A recent report by transit benefit vendor Jawnt found that commuter benefits may help encourage employees to return to theoffice. With more employers pushing for in-person work, many organizations are struggling to motivate their staff.
The study, which surveyed over 400 HR professionals, revealed how these benefits might impact return-to-office (RTO) initiatives. As companies continue to navigate the challenges of post-COVID-19-pandemic work arrangements, incentives such as commuter benefits could prove to be a valuable tool.
“The only way to offer a best-in-class commuter benefits experience is to genuinely understand our users—not just assume their needs.”
-Jeff Stade, CEO and co-founder of Jawnt
Compliance Overview – What Employers Should Know About Seasonal Employment
Many organizations rely on seasonal workers to supplement their regular workforce during peak times. This often occurs during busy seasons or holidays, as there’s an influx of business activity. While similarities exist, there are important differences between seasonal and regular employment. Due to these differences, hiring and reliance on seasonal workers can present significant and unexpected challenges for employers.
HR Brief – USCIS Extends Form I-9 Expiration Date (October)
Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form, also known as Form I-9, to extend the form’s expiration date from July 31, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Employers must use the Form I-9 dated “08/01/2023,” which may have an expiration date of either “07/31/2026” or“05/31/2027.” Employers may use either form until its respective expiration date. However, the USCIS’ website will only include the Form I-9 with the new “05/31/2027” expiration date for downloading.
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
