News and Updates
Category: Ada
June 2022 Legal Update: ADA, IRS, EEOC and FLSA
IRS Mileage Change Earlier this month, the IRS announced that mileage rates for the last half of 2022 would be increasing $0.04 per mile, in response to the rising costs of fuel. Businesses should update their expense forms and software prior to Friday, July 1, 2022, when the new rates take effect. The standard mileage for business travel will increase to $0.625, and the rate for eligible medical or moving expenses will increase to $0.22. The rate for mileage incurred during service to a charitable organization ($0.14) is unchanged, as it’s determined by a different statute. Most light-duty vehicles get around 25 miles to the gallon, so at $0.04 per mile, reimbursement is roughly one dollar per gallon. The IRs usually sets rates in the fall for the coming tax year. Mid-year changes are fairly rare, and we haven’t seen one since 2011. We’ll keep you updated toward the end of this year when rates are updated again for the 2023 tax year. ADA Lawsuits Increase ADA lawsuits have been on the rise for the last several years, and they’re showing no sign of slowing down. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was intended to make things easier for people with disabilities. Sometimes it’s produced other outcomes, like disabled candidates getting fewer offers because employers are worried that the accommodations will be too difficult or expensive to meet. Typically, they aren’t – and remember, the requests have to be
Outsourcing FMLA May Be the Break Your HR Department Needs Right Now
FMLA has been maligned by HR departments for years, not only because of the amount of work involved – but also the amount of expertise. Do you ever feel like your management team shouldn’t be the ones determining if a claim submitted actually qualifies? Throwing COVID-related leave into the mix didn’t help, either. Private companies that employ at least 50 workers (within a 75 mile radius), and public employers regardless of size are required to offer FMLA – 12 weeks unpaid leave during a 12 month period. While many question its value, considering the leave is unpaid – it was put in place to protect the jobs of those experiencing one of the following conditions: • Birth or adoption of a child • Care of a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition • A serious health condition that renders the employee unable to complete their essential duties • A qualifying emergency related to a spouse, child or parent being on active military duty Non-compliance not only puts you on the radar of the Department of Labor (which could result in major fines), but could also expose you to private lawsuits from disgruntled employees. We hear a lot of businesses say, “We jus
