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CLIENT ALERT: IRS Announces 401(k) and HSA Contribution Limits for 2020

Client Alert

With 2020 just around the corner, the IRS announced important information for the upcoming year for both 401(k) Contributions and Health Saving Accounts (HSAs).

401(k) Contribution limits for 2020

Employee 401(k) contributions for 2020 will increase by $500 to $19,500, while the total for employer plus employee contribution limit increases by $1,000 to $57,000.

For participants ages 50 and over, the "catch-up" contribution limit will rise to $6,500, up by $500.

HSA Contribution limits for 2020

The annual limit on deductible contributions is $3,550 for individuals with self-only coverage under an HDHP (a $50 increase from 2019) and $7,100 for family coverage (a $100 increase from 2019).

The limits on annual deductibles are also subject to annual inflation adjustments. For 2020, the lower limit on the annual deductible for an HDHP is $1,400 for self-only coverage and $2,800 for family coverage, both increased from 2019. The upper limit for out-of-pocket expenses is $6,900 for self-only coverage and $13,800 for family coverage, both increased from 2019

The new limits will take effect January 1, 2020, HR and payroll managers should plan to adjust their systems for the new year and inform employees about the new limits - especially for those with a year-end open enrollment.

For questions about your 401(k) Plan or Health Savings Accounts, the recent changes to IRS Contribution Limits, or any other Tax questions, please contact Priscilla A. Grant, Esq.

 

 


Enhancing Privacy Protections for Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

On February 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) finalized updated rules to 42 CFR Part 2 (“Part 2”) for the protection of Substance Use Disorder (“SUD”) patient records. The updated rules reflect the requirement that the Part 2 rules be more closely aligned with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) privacy, breach notification, and enforcement rules as mandated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020.

Columbus, Ohio Ordinance Prohibits Employers from Inquiries into an Applicant’s Salary History

Effective March 1, 2024, Columbus employers are prohibited from inquiring into an applicant’s salary history. Specifically, the ordinance provides that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice to:

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board’s Latest Batch of Rules: What Providers Should Know

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board has introduced new rules and amendments, covering various aspects such as CDCA certificate requirements, expanded services for LCDCs and CDCAs, remote supervision, and reciprocity application requirements. Notable changes include revised criteria for obtaining a CDCA certification, expanded services for LCDCs and CDCAs, and updated ethical obligations for licensees and certificate holders, including non-discrimination, confidentiality, and anti-sexual harassment measures.

Governor Mike DeWine and The Ohio State University Introduce the SOAR Study on Ohio Mental Illness

On January 19, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and The Ohio State University announced a new research initiative, the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience (“SOAR”) study, which will investigate all factors influencing Ohio’s mental illness and addiction epidemic.

CHANGING TIDES: Summary and Effects of Burnett et. al. v. National Ass’n of Realtors, et. al.

In April 2019, a class-action Complaint was filed in federal court for the Western District Court for Missouri arguing that the traditional payment agreements employed by many across the United States amounted to conspiracy resulting in the artificial increase in brokerage commissions. Plaintiffs, a class-action group comprised of sellers, argued that they paid excessive brokerage commissions upon the sale of their home as a result of the customary payment structure where Sellers agree to pay the full commission on the sale of their property, with Seller’s agent notating the portion of commission they are willing to pay to a Buyer’s agent at closing on the MLS or other similar system.