Why Are Companies Investing In HR Technology?
by Maureen Miller, Katy Quinn, Elina Yakubov and Joe Sinclair

Many companies are now realizing that to strategically position themselves as we come out of a recession, they need to put a focus on their primary asset: employees.  In the past, Human Resources (HR) departments have carried the heavy administrative burden of paper-based, manual processes related to employee life-cycles. These time-consuming, administrative tasks detract from the department's ability to focus on employees and employee initiatives and are costly to a company's bottom line. By implementing a fully-integrated Human Resource Information System (HRIS) solution, HR departments are able to transfer much of the data-entry and administrative responsibility to the employee; thereby decreasing the department's time spent on these tasks. Transferring this responsibility to the employees also provides them with the ability to maintain their own employee profiles and ensure that all data is correct and up-to-date. Implementing these automated solutions provides companies with substantial cost savings compared to manual processes and provides HR representatives with more time to focus on strategic talent-based initiatives such as training and development, employee relations and creating effective retention strategies.

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Client Alert: Fringe Benefit Items to Include on 2011 Form W-2
As 2011 draws to a close, we wish to remind you about the proper inclusion of fringe benefits in all employees' and/or shareholders' taxable wages.  Fringe benefits are defined as a form of pay for performance of services given by a company to its employees and/or shareholders as a benefit.  Fringe benefits must be included in an employee's pay unless specifically excluded by law.  Please note the actual value of the fringe benefits provided must be determined by January 31st of the year following the receipt of the benefits.  Prior to January 31, you must reasonably estimate the value of the fringe benefits for purposes of withholding and depositing payroll taxes on time.

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Client Alert: DC Tax Law Changes
District of Columbia Mayor Gray recently signed the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Support Act of 2011 and the Revised Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Support Technical Clarification Emergency Act of 2011. These two pieces of legislation contain several provisions (summarized below) that impact DC residents which we want to bring to your attention.

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  Timely Opportunities

Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals
With the end of 2011 rapidly approaching, it is time to consider making some moves that could lower this year's tax bill. Here are some ideas involving charitable contributions, college tuition, mortgage payments and other expenses you might want to pay before December 31. We'll also show you the 2012 federal tax brackets and other key tax figures recently released by the IRS so you can compare your situation this year with what you'll be facing next year.
Copyright © 2011

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  Mergers & Acquisitions

Intellectual Property in M&A: Patenting a System for Success

In the global, new media economy, intellectual property due diligence has taken on increased importance in M&A negotiations. And one of the most important categories of intellectual property due diligence is patents. Even companies without significant patent portfolios are bringing in due diligence teams to identify patentable assets and add value. Click "Full Article" for a closer look at the role of patents in intellectual property due diligence.
Copyright © 2011

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  Human Resources

Employers: Genetic Law May Require Changes
A law that went into effect in 2009 provides greater protection against discrimination of employees based on genetic information. Now, new federal regulations clarify the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. The new regulations may require changes to employer wellness programs run in conjunction with group health plans. Here are the details.
Copyright © 2011

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  Business Finance

How to Negotiate with Edgy Lenders
If your company slams into some tight times it can be easy to fall behind on bills and creditors might start calling every day asking where their money is. That is not the time to panic -  it's the time to face facts, brace yourself and prepare for some smart negotiating. Click "Full Article" for some tips that could help buy time.
Copyright © 2011

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  Disclaimer of Liability

Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Please be advised that the tax advice contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written by the practitioner to be used and cannot be used by the taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding any U.S. tax-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.