Pay Matters: Year-End 2023

12-14-2023

As 2023 draws to a close, join us for our year-end edition of Pay Matters, with an analysis of changes we will see for year-end 2023 and what’s in store for 2024.

Note: As we go to publication, Form W-4 for 2024 has still not been released by the IRS. Employers should continue to accept the 2023 form from their onboarding and current employees.

Similarly, the final federal withholding tables (Publication 15-T) for 2024 have still not been released by the IRS.

Viventium’s Year-End Portal Is Live for Viventium Clients!

We are excited to announce that our 2023 Year-End Portal is now live! Since it’s hosted on the Viventium Support Center, simply log into Viventium Software, select “Help” in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, and click on the Year-End Portal icon.

Please review the information in this portal carefully, as it will assist you in navigating your year-end process as well as in processing accurate and compliant payrolls in 2024. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact your Dedicated Client Service Team.

New Mandated E-filing Threshold Finalized

The IRS finalized regulations drastically expanding mandatory electronic filing requirements to virtually all employers starting with this year-end (2023).

Under the regulations, the threshold for which employers must file certain information returns electronically was lowered from 250 forms to just 10 forms. In addition, to determine if the threshold is met, employers must count all Forms W-2, 1099, 1095-C, and other information returns. If this total is at least 10 returns, they all must be filed electronically. This new rule applies to applicable 2023 returns that are to be filed in 2024.

For more information on these requirements, check out our on-demand webinar IRS E-Filing for 2023: How the Reduced Threshold Changes Your Year-End.

For Viventium clients: To learn how Viventium can help you meets these new e-filing requirements, please reach out to your Dedicated Client Service Team.

Social Security Wage Base to Rise in 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the 2024 Social Security wage base will rise to $168,600, a $8,400 increase from the $160,200 wage base in 2023. The employee and employer Social Security tax rate will remain at 6.2%. The maximum Social Security tax employees and employers will each pay in 2024 is $10,453.20, up from $9,932.40 in 2023.

There is no limit to wages subject to Medicare tax. Both the employee and the employer Medicare tax rate for 2024 will remain at 1.45%. As in previous years, employers are required to withhold an additional 0.9% in Medicare taxes on wages earned by employees in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year. Employers are not required to match this 2.35% employee rate but continue to pay 1.45% in Medicare tax on all subject wages earned by employees.

For a copy of the SSA Fact Sheet, click here.

2024 Pension and Benefit Contribution Limits

The 2024 limits on the exclusion for elective deferrals for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans will increase to $23,000, up from $22,500. The catch-up contribution for employees ages 50 and older will remain at $7,500.

The 2024 monthly limit for qualified transportation fringe benefits and for qualified parking will increase to $315, up from $300.

2024 Health Account Contribution Limits

Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA)

The 2024 maximum employee salary reduction contribution under Section 125 to a Health Flexible Spending Arrangement will increase to $3,200, up from $3,050.

Health Saving Accounts (HSA)

HSA limits are making one of the biggest jumps in recent years, as follows:

Contribution and Out-of-Pocket Limits for Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Health Plans
2024 2023 Change
HSA contribution limit

(employer + employee)

Self only: $4,150

Family: $8,300

Self only: $3,850

Family: $7,750

Self only: +$300

Family: +$550

 

HSA catch-up contributions 

(age 55 or older)

$1,000 $1,000 No change
 

HDHP minimum deductibles

 

Self only: $1,600

Family: $3,200

 

Self only: $1,500

Family: $3,000

 

Self only: +$100

Family: +$200

 

HDHP maximum out-of-pocket amounts 

(Deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums)

 

Self only: $8,050

Family: $16,100

 

Self only: $7,500

Family: $15,000

 

Self only: +$550

Family: +$1,100

2024 Minimum Wage

While federal minimum wage stays at $7.25, states across the nation are scheduled to increase their minimum hourly rates in 2024. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the upcoming changes:

New York

The following is the schedule of rate increases:

Location 01/01/2024
NYC $16.00
Long Island & Westchester $16.00
Remainder of New York State $15.00

Note: Higher minimum wage rates apply to home health aides throughout the state. For more information, check out our on-demand webinar Caring for Your Caregivers: A New York HCM Compliance Primer.

The following states’ hourly minimum wage will increase effective January 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted:

 State 2024 2023
Alaska $11.73 $10.85
Arizona $14.35 $13.85
California $16.00 $15.50
Connecticut $15.69 $15.00 on 6/1/23
Delaware $13.25 $11.75
Florida $13.00 on 9/30/24 $12.00 on 9/30/23
Hawaii $14.00 $12.00
Illinois $14.00 $13.00
Maine $14.15 $13.80
Maryland $15.00 $13.25
Michigan $10.33 $10.10
Minnesota $10.85 $10.59
Missouri $12.30 $12.00
Montana $10.30 $9.95
Nebraska $12.00 $10.50
Nevada $12.00 on 7/1/24 $10.25 on 7/1/23
New Jersey $15.13 $14.13
Ohio $10.45 $10.10
Rhode Island $14.00 $13.00
South Dakota $11.20 $10.80
Vermont $13.67 $13.18
Washington $16.28 $15.74

Disclaimer: State minimum wage laws frequently change and may have been modified since the publication of this information. In addition, some states may have different minimum wages based on company size and industry, and many localities have passed minimum wage laws that are higher than state law. Please consult your legal advisor.

2024 New York Wage Parity Rates

New York City (5 Boroughs):

Type of Pay Current 01/01/2024
Base Wage $17.00 $18.55
Benefits $4.09 $2.54
Total $21.09 $21.09

Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester:

Type of Pay Current 01/01/2024
Base Wage $17.00 $18.55
Benefits $3.22 $1.67
Total $20.22 $20.22

 California Health Care Minimum Wage

Effective June 1, 2024, under Senate Bill 525, certain large health care facilities in California, including hospitals (but not state or tribal hospitals), licensed nursing facilities, and home health agencies and clients, will be subject to higher minimum wage requirements.

The amount and timing of increases to minimum wage vary for different categories of health care facilities.

In general, large health care facilities with 10,000 or more full-time equivalent employees, dialysis clinics, and certain “large-county” facilities will be required to pay virtually all employees at a minimum of $23.00 per hour.

For rural hospitals, certain “small-county” facilities and hospitals with elevated government payor mixes, minimum wage will be $18.00 per hour, while for certain clinics and all other covered health care facilities, minimum wage will be $21.00 per hour.

Rates will continue to increase for each category until they reach $25.00 per hour.

Health care employers should review SB 525 with their legal counsel to determine which category they fall under and pay their employees accordingly.

 2024 State Wage Bases

States have begun releasing their 2024 SUTA wage bases. Below is a chart of the wage bases released so far:

State 2024 Wage Base 2023 Wage Base
Alabama $8,000 $8,000
Alaska $49,700 $47,100
Arizona $8,000 $8,000
Arkansas $7,000 $7,000
California $7,000 $7,000
Colorado $23,800 $20,400
Connecticut $25,000 $15,000
District of Columbia $9,000 $9,000
Florida $7,000 $7,000
Georgia $9,500 $9,500
Illinois $13,590 $12,960
Indiana $9,500 $9,500
Iowa $38,200 $36,100
Kansas $14,000 $14,000
Maine $12,000 $12,000
Maryland $8,500 $8,500
Massachusetts $15,000 $15,000
Michigan $9,500 $9,500
Minnesota $42,000 $40,000
Mississippi $14,000 $14,000
Missouri (decreasing) $10,000 $10,500
Montana $43,000 $40,500
Nebraska $9,000 $9,000
Nevada $40,600 $40,100
New Hampshire $14,000 $14,000
New Jersey *see details below $42,300 $41,100
New Mexico $31,700 $30,100
New York $12,500 $12,300
Ohio $9,000 $9,000
Oklahoma $27,000 $25,700
Oregon $52,800 $50,900
Pennsylvania $10,000 $10,000
South Carolina $14,000 $14,000
South Dakota $15,000 $15,000
Tennessee $7,000 $7,000
Texas $9,000 $9,000
Utah $47,000 $44,800
Vermont $14,300 $13,500
Virginia $8,000 $8,000
Washington $68,500 $67,600
Wisconsin $14,000 $14,000
Wyoming $30,900 $29,100

*New Jersey Details:

2024 2023
SUTA EE/ER $42,300 $41,100
FLI EE $161,400 $156,800
SDI EE $161,400 $156,800
SDI ER $42,300 $41,100
WFD ER $42,300 $41,100

Disclaimer: SUTA wage base laws frequently change and may have been modified since the publication of this information. Some states may have two-tiered wage bases. Please consult your tax advisor.

Montana Drastically Changes Withholding Formula and Releases New Form MW-4

Montana has drastically changed its withholding formula for 2024 to align it more closely to the federal withholding tax formula. Included in these changes is the release of a new Form MW-4, Montana’s employee withholding and exemption certificate. The new Form MW-4 introduces new filing statuses that mirror the federal filing statuses.

Montana recommends that all employees complete a new Form MW-4 prior to January 1, 2024, to ensure correct withholding from wages for the new year.

 New York City Employers Required to Distribute and Post Employee Bill of Rights

On December 3, 2023, the New York City Council enacted a law requiring employers to provide a workers’ bill of rights by July 1, 2024, to their NYC employees. This bill of rights will be published on the City’s website on or before March 1, 2024.

By July 1, employers must:

  • Provide a copy of the bill of rights to each current employee;
  • Furnish a copy to the new employees on their first day of work;
  • Post the information in an accessible and visible area;
  • Display it on their website; AND
  • Provide employee access to the bill of rights online or via mobile app (if the employer regularly communicates with employees electronically).

Failure to meet posting requirements will incur a $500 penalty.

For more information on 2024 compliance changes, check out our webinar Getting Ahead of 2024 Compliance.

 


This information is for educational purposes only, and not to provide specific legal advice. This may not reflect the most recent developments in the law and may not be applicable to a particular situation or jurisdiction.

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Overtime Shuffle - Lyrics

Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

VERSE 1
In the world of work, there’s a tale to be told, About overtime hours, and the payroll gold, A consistent paycheck, that’s the worker’s dream, But when it comes to overtime, it’s not as easy as it seems.

PRE-CHORUS
Oh, Susie worked hard in San Francisco town, But the rules around overtime, they had her feeling down, 42 hours this week, she gave her all, Now it’s time to calculate, let the numbers fall.

CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

VERSE 2
Exempt or non-exempt, the title they hold, Where they work, where you’re based, it’s all in the fold, California or New York, the laws they diverge, For payroll admins, it’s a never-ending surge.

PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
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BRIDGE
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VERSE 3
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PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.

OUTRO
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ENDING
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Retroactive Rhythms

Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

VERSE 1
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PRE-CHORUS
A caregiver tired, at the week’s end, Forgot to log hours, a mistake to mend. Admins face the challenge, calculations to make, To set it right, for the caregiver’s sake.

CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

VERSE 2
Manual calculations, prone to a flaw, Dealing with shifts, odd hours, and the law. As your business grows, the cost takes flight, Automated solutions, shining bright.

PRE-CHORUS
Compliance is key, with FLSA’s might, Calculate and compensate, get it right. Avoid the audit’s gaze, fines and the cost, Retroactive pay, no longer lost.

CHORUS
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BRIDGE
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VERSE 3
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PRE-CHORUS
A self-winding watch, Viventium’s grace, Optimizing payroll, in every case. No more struggles, in the payroll game, In it with you, time and time again.

CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.

OUTRO
As your business grows, in the hustle and fight, Viventium by your side, making it right. No more worries, in the payroll chain, In it with you, time and time again.

In the Arms of Geo Tax - Lyrics

Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

VERSE 1
In the world of business, we all aim to thrive, Year after year, our dreams taking flight. But as we soar higher, we start to see, More money, more problems, just like B.I.G. Outgrowing our shell, it’s an exciting phase, But it brings with it some challenging days. Solutions we had, now show their flaws, As we push the boundaries, breaking through the walls.

CHORUS
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VERSE 2
Employees across states, in different localities, Tax laws aplenty, creating complexities. Our old software’s limits, we’ve begun to see, Scaling up our business, we need to break free. Calculating pay and taxes, where it all begins, Errors in this process, lead to countless sins. Employees rely on us, trust in our might, To withhold what’s needed, get it just right.

CHORUS
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BRIDGE
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VERSE 3
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CHORUS
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OUTRO
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REPEAT CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.

Payroll Grid Serenade - Lyrics

Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

VERSE 1
In the world of admin tasks, where changes often arise, There’s a tool that’s been a savior, under office fluorescent skies. With flexibility and precision, it eases their daily strife, Let’s sing about this feature, it’s the pulse of our work life.

CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

VERSE 2
Admins wear many hats, in their daily grind, Sometimes they need to adjust, leave no errors behind. Adding extra hours, bonuses, or fixing pay, They need a simple method, to make it all okay.

CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.

BRIDGE
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VERSE 3
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CHORUS
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OUTRO
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Automation Anthem - Lyrics

Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.

VERSE 1
In the world of payroll, a daily task we face, Admins work hard, in this complex space, They handle policies, with attention and care, But there’s a solution that’s beyond compare.

PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
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VERSE 2
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PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
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BRIDGE
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VERSE 3
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PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
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OUTRO
So if you’re a payroll admin, feeling the weight, Let Viventium’s Rule-Based Automation be your fate, No more worries, no more strife, With Viventium, you’ll transform your work life.

The Data Groove - Lyrics

Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

VERSE 1
In the world of business, it’s a complex game, With factors and figures, it’s never the same. Decisions are key, they’ll determine your fate, So listen up closely, don’t be a bit late.

PRE-CHORUS
Gather your data, don’t let it fade, In the depths of spreadsheets, don’t let it cascade. Your HCM software, is it up to the task? To capture and store, to help you unmask.

CHORUS
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VERSE 2
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PRE-CHORUS
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CHORUS
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BRIDGE
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CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.

OUTRO
So remember this lesson, in the business terrain, It’s all ’bout decisions, don’t let ’em wane. With data as your guide, and Viventium’s grace, You’ll conquer the challenges you’ll face.