Insight

What does the executive action deferring payroll taxes mean for employers and employees?

What does the executive action deferring payroll taxes mean for employers and employees? | payroll accounting | WCS | Baltimore, Maryland

On August 8, 2020, President Trump signed an executive memorandum that defers an employee’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes from September 1 through December 31, 2020. At this point, the taxes are just deferred, meaning they’ll still have to be paid at a later date. However, the action directs U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to “explore avenues, including legislation, to eliminate the obligation to pay the taxes.”

The exact impact on employers and employees isn’t yet known. There are many open questions, including President Trump’s legal ability to implement the deferral. Some experts believe there may be legal challenges to this executive action.

Deferral details

The payroll tax deferral will be available for “any employee the amount of whose wages or compensation, as applicable, payable during any bi-weekly pay period generally is less than $4,000.”

The deferral will be calculated on a pretax basis or the equivalent amount with respect to other pay periods. Plus, the amounts will be deferred without any penalties, interest, additional amount or addition to the tax.

Stay tuned for additional guidance

No doubt there is much to flesh out about this payroll tax deferral. Secretary Mnuchin has been instructed to provide additional guidance and employers can’t act on the deferral until that happens. It’s also possible Congress could take action. We’ll be monitoring developments and their implications, so turn to us for the latest information.

© 2020

Related Insights

An education plan can pay off for your employees — and your business | cpa in alexandria va | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Employee Benefit Plan Audits

An education plan can pay off for your employees — and your business

Your business can set up an educational assistance plan that can give each eligible employee up to $5,250 in annual federal-income-tax-free and…
Still have tax questions? You’re not alone | tax preparation in baltimore md | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Tax Prep, Planning & Strategy

Still have tax questions? You’re not alone

Even after your 2024 federal return is submitted, a few nagging questions often remain. Below are quick answers to five of the most common questions…
Automate that! How AI and other software can help improve efficiency | accounting firm in harford county md | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Non-Profits

Automate that! How AI and other software can help improve efficiency

Not-for-profits often work with limited resources, making efficient operations critical. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other forms of automating…

Connect with us

Use the form below to send us an email. WCS responds directly to all inquiries and general questions within 24 hours of posting.

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.