On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously (Justice Kagan recused herself) in United States v. Quality Stores, Inc., Case No. 12-1408 that severance payments made to employees who were involuntarily terminated are taxable wages under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). The decision overturns a previous ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of Quality Stores which was seeking a $1 million tax refund from the IRS based on its claim that severance payments were not covered by FICA.
Continue Reading Supreme Court Clarifies that Severance Payments are Taxable
Tax Treatment of Differential Wage Payments to Employees in Military Service
By Michael Moore on
Posted in Employee Benefits
In recognition of the importance and sacrifices associated with military service, many employers provide a supplemental payment for their employees called to active military service which covers the difference between their military pay and their regular compensation. Pay differentials are provided for varying lengths of time.
Revenue Ruling 2009-11 provides that a differential wage payment…