Industries

Helping clients meet their business challenges begins with an in-depth understanding of the industries in which they work. That’s why KPMG LLP established its industry-driven structure. In fact, KPMG LLP was the first of the Big Four firms to organize itself along the same industry lines as clients.

How We Work

We bring together passionate problem-solvers, innovative technologies, and full-service capabilities to create opportunity with every insight.

Learn more

Careers & Culture

What is culture? Culture is how we do things around here. It is the combination of a predominant mindset, actions (both big and small) that we all commit to every day, and the underlying processes, programs and systems supporting how work gets done.

Learn more

Payroll Insights

Employment tax news to guide you now and for the future

 

 

Welcome to Payroll Insights, a monthly publication from KPMG LLP's Employment Tax practice that keeps you up-to-date on the latest developments in payroll and employment tax. Our team is dedicated to providing you with timely and relevant information, and we welcome your feedback on topics you would like to see covered in future issues.

Read the latest issue below.

 

Dive into our thinking:

December 2024

This month's issue emphasizes on the end of the 2024 tax year and the importance of preparing for year-end processes and the changes coming in 2025. Read about the importance of employment tax requirements as we see a shift from remote work to traditional office and/or hybrid work models. The IRS has made crucial updates, including the increase in the 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 and FSA contributions for 2025. State-level changes have also emerged, such as tax relief for disaster-stricken areas and new payment regulations for California's freelancers. For detailed information, download the latest issue of Payroll Insights.

Download PDF

Previous 2024 Payroll Insights Issues

November 2024

Discover key insights in the 2024-2025 Priority Guidance Plan from the Department of Treasury and IRS, focusing on 231 key projects including various regulatory impacts on employee benefits. Important federal updates include tax inflation adjustments and an increased audit focus on personal usage of company aircraft. There have also been changes in minimum wages and tax regulations in several states like Indiana, New Jersey, Nevada, South Dakota, and Vermont. Learn more in our latest Payroll Insights edition.

October 2024

As year-end approaches, stay informed with our latest edition of Payroll Insights. Discover the anticipated federal payroll tax changes for 2025 from the presidential candidates, the continuous updates from the IRS on employee retention credits and 401(k) matches, and the latest adjustments in per diem rates. Plus, get ahead with state-specific legislation updates and critical changes to minimum wage laws that could impact your business in 2025. Read now.

September 2024

As the back-to-school season arrives, it marks a crucial time for payroll professionals to stay informed and prepared, especially those focused on continuing professional education (CPE) or recertification credit hours (RCH). This month's issue delves into critical topics such as 2025 payroll preparation, the IRS's latest guidance on employee retention credit (ERC) claims, upcoming minimum wage increases, and adjustments in tax regulations. It also offers insights for businesses navigating ERC claim rejections. Download the latest Payroll Insights to navigate these updates and prepare for upcoming changes.

August 2024

The latest Payroll Insights cover fresh perspectives tailored to simplify the complexities of payroll management in the dynamic environment of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. It highlights the need for proactive engagement in due diligence, the preservation of payroll records for future stability, and delves into the tax implications of diverse transactions while fostering collaboration with tax departments. Additionally, stay abreast of the latest updates on the Employee Retention Credit, educational assistance programs, FUTA loan developments, and insights into state-specific wage adjustments and legislative changes. Read now.

July 2024: Dive into the future of payroll and employment tax with our July issue. As the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions are set to expire in 2025, we provide valuable insights on potential changes to moving expenses, commuting benefits, educational assistance programs, and more. Stay informed about crucial federal and state updates, including wage and hour law changes, e-filing for Form 941-X, gig worker classification in California, tax rate changes, and new regulations for earned wage access services in South Carolina. Read the latest in Payroll Insights.

June 2024: Our June coverage delivers essential updates to keep you informed, from a critical lawsuit challenging the IRS over its ERC claims review process to recent adjustments in health savings account limits and social security wage base projections. We also dive into latest state and local developments, including Iowa's withholding guidance and Maryland's disaster relief efforts, equipping you with essential knowledge to adeptly navigate these important changes in payroll operations. But that's not all - we shine a light on our involvement in PayrollOrg's Congress, underscoring our commitment to community service. For the latest insights and more updates, download now.

May 2024: In our May issue, we spotlight key updates in employment tax, notably the IRS's extension of the statute of limitations for 2021 Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims, offering businesses additional time for submission. This move, reflecting broader legislative efforts to aid businesses, underscores the changing terrain of employment tax regulations amid economic challenges. We also analyze significant federal employment law changes, including new overtime rules and a ban on non-competition agreements. Additionally, we highlight state and local developments like Kentucky's new family-leave program and updates to minimum wage laws, illustrating the evolving landscape of employment tax and legislation. Read now to get the latest in payroll tax updates. 

April 2024: In the April issue, we cover a range of topics that are relevant to your payroll and tax concerns. These include John's fresh take on the complexity of gig worker classification, the Internal Revenue Service's new verification approach for employee retention tax credit claims, updates on the employee retention credit processing window, the release of the 2024 Form 941 by the IRS amidst proposed changes to the employee retention credit deadline, the IRS's increased scrutiny on corporate jet tax breaks as highlighted in a recent press release, and the Department of Labor's identification of potential states for FUTA credit reduction in 2024. Additionally, we provide state and local updates from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and more. Stay informed and make the best decisions for your business with Payroll Insights.

March 2024: Check out the March issue of Payroll Insights for up-to-date developments in the payroll and employment tax arena. In this month's issue, we cover topics such as the ongoing saga of the ERC, the deadline for the ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program, revised Form 1099 K fact sheet, new independent contractor guidelines, and state updates from California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. Read now.

February 2024: The February issue of Payroll Insights covers important topics such as the IRS settlement program for incorrect claims, increased penalties for federal labor law violations, and updates to IRS forms. Stay informed and ensure compliance with the ever-changing landscape of payroll and taxes. Download our newsletter now to stay ahead of the curve.

January 2024: As we enter the New Year, we bring you the latest in employment tax news, including the IRS's new voluntary disclosure program for ERC, updates on forms 941 and 941x, new business standard mileage rates, and state unemployment insurance tax rates, along with more payroll tax news to guide you in 2024. 

2023 Payroll Insights Issues

December 2023: In this issue, John shares his take on year-end payroll considerations, providing valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of payroll processing. You'll also find information on changes to electronic filing requirements, a moratorium on Employee Retention Credit processing, reductions in federal unemployment tax credits, and IRS interest rates for Q1 2024. These updates are crucial for ensuring that your payroll processing is compliant with the latest regulations. If you operate in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Montana, or other states, you'll find state updates that may be relevant to you.

November 2023: Are you ready for year-end? Stay informed with the November issue of Payroll Insights. Learn about the KPMG and Bloomberg Tax and Accounting Year-end checklist and report to help with your 2023 year-end tax planning. Plus, read about the IRS's new ERC withdrawal process, the Department of Labor's overtime proposal, the social security wage base increase, and state employment tax news from around the country. Don't miss out on this essential resource.

October 2023: Download the October issue of Payroll Insights. Learn about the IRS's increased scrutiny on Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims and the moratorium on processing new ERC claims until the end of the year to prevent further abuse. The IRS is also developing a special withdrawal option and a voluntary repayments settlement program for businesses. Additionally, several states have announced changes to their minimum wage rates and payroll taxes. Download now to stay informed and don't miss out on the latest state updates from Alaska, California, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, and more. Plus, learn about the payroll-related bills introduced by the 118th US Congress, including the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act and the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act.

September 2023: Download the September edition to learn about New Jersey’s Convenience Employer rule and see an example application. Stay up-to-date with federal updates, including the Employee Retention Credit and the IRS’s release of a generic legal advice memorandum, and more state employment tax news.

August 2023: Download the August edition to learn about the power of VDA programs, learn about the latest on New Jersey's Bill 4694 "convenience of the employer" doctrine, federal updates including a push from app-based companies for workplace benefits, the new initiative from KPMG for AI investments, and more state employment tax news.

July 2023: Download the July edition to learn about the power of VDA programs, learn about the IRS' alert cautioning businesses on employment retention credit fraudulent claims, and an update on the health savings account inflation adjustments, and more federal and state employment tax news.

June 2023: Read John's insights on the tax home challenges for flexible work, news and guidance from the IRS on early wage access, the effect of IRS funding on information reporting, and more federal, state, and local updates.

May 2023: Looking for tips and tricks to learning payroll? The May issue of Payroll Insights gives you some resourceful tools to look into, plus the latest in federal and state employment tax news, and more. Read now.

April 2023: In the April issue of Payroll Insights, Employment Tax Partner John Montgomery discusses third-party tax schemes related to the Employee Retention Credit, the IRS's transition to the new Digital Intake multi-form, and more federal and state employment tax news. Read now.

March 2023: The March issue of Payroll Insights brings you employment tax topics including the latest update on the new SEC rule and the shortened settlement cycle, the latest changes from the IRS, and state updates from California, Massachusetts, and more.

February 2023: Read the February edition of Payroll Insights for the latest on tax wage limits and rates, IRS form updates, and state employment tax news.

January 2023: Download the January issue for news and updates including what's ahead from the IRS this year, IRS's tax calendar for 2023, compliance news, and state updates.

2022 Payroll Insights Issues

December 2022: Download this issue for news and updates including the Senate's proposal of NJ's "Convenience of the Employer" provision, payroll adjustments, IRS 2023 cost-of-living adjustments, state automatic enrollment retirement programs, and more state employment tax updates.

November 2022: Read the November issue of Payroll Insights for updates in worker classication, Social Security wage base impacts on employers, and more.

October 2022: The October edition looks into the withholding risks linked to work location accuracy, federal updates including the AICPA letter to Treasury, SIFL rates, CARES Act, and state updates from New York, New Jersey, Idaho, Colorado, and more.

September 2022: This issue of Payroll Insights features John’s "fresh take" on upcoming year-end activities, federal updates on interest rates for the fourth quarter, recent business standard mileage rate increase, and more state employment tax updates from California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Washington State.

August 2022: The August issue brings you John's fresh take on New Hampshire's new legislation regarding telecommuting rules, the expansion of paid leave in new states, and more Federal IRS updates.

July 2022: The July edition brings you John fresh take on the federal, state and local payroll tax audits, the latest news from the IRS on worker classification, Social Security, and local city payroll tax updates. Read now.

June 2022: This month's Payroll Insights features John's "fresh take" on the tax considerations for employers downsizing their workforce, an update on employee retention credit claims, and more federal and state employment tax news.

May 2022: Read the May issue for insights into FUTA credit reductions on state unpaid loans, IRS updated penalty amounts for incorrectly filed information returns, plus more federal and state employment tax news.

April 2022: Read the April issue of Payroll Insights for John's "fresh take" on unemployment loan delays, the latest news from the IRS on mailing of notices, Federal Form 941 updates, and state updates from around the country.

March 2022: The March issue features the latest updates from the IRS on early termination of ERC, the IRS tax calendars for 2022, state guidance on 2022 employment tax rates and rules, and more for the new tax year.

2021 Payroll Insights Issues

December 2021: The December issue features the insights on domestic and global tax compliance, the latest news on IRS's limits to retirement plan contributions, and state updates to 2022 employment tax rates and rules. Read now.

November 2021: Read our November issue for John's "Fresh Take" on year-end payroll reporting and a look ahead to 2022 compliance―plus the latest in federal and state guidance on year-end and rate updates. 

October 2021: This issue features John's Fresh Take on Year-end payroll, and the latest federal updates on the Social Security Trustees project, ICE's new employee guidance for I-9 compliance, plus state updates on nonresident taxation of remote workers, and more. 

September 2021: The September edition brings you employment tax news from around the country including IRS updates on the employee retention credit, plus the latest news from New Jersey, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and more. 

August 2021: Read the August of Payroll Insights for John's Fresh Take on the State of Washington's employee payroll tax for long-term care benefits―plus tax news from Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, and more.

July 2021: This issue features John's Fresh Take on Massachusetts, the latest news on the payroll-related bills introduced in Congress, an update on the social security deferral repayments―along with news from Washington State, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon.

June 2021: This issue features John's Fresh Take on New York State, the latest news on New Hampshire's Remote Worker Case―along with federal updates on Dependent Care Benefits, Form 941-X, IRS Virus Relief, state guidance, and more.

April 2021: Read about he latest KPMG report on Notice 2021-23 and employee retention credit, Notice 2021-24 on penalty relief and reduced employment tax deposits, along with more IRS notice updates.

March 2021: Read about the latest KPMG report on employer's role in Rescue Act COBRA subsidies and tax credits, compensation and benefits-related provisions in the COVID relief bill, and more federal and state news updates.

February 2021: Read the February edition of Payroll Insights for a KPMG report on employer-provided student loan repayments, updates to IRS issued draft and final 2021 Forms, and the latest Multistate COVID-19 withholding guidance.

January 2021: Read about the Fair Labor Standards Act's Independent Contractor update, the IRS's advance version of Notice 2021-7, and updates on IRS standard mileage rates, plus more state news.

2020 Payroll Insights Issues

December 20, 2020: Read this special edition of Paytoll Insights to learn about the latest updates on year-end funding and COVID relief legislation. 

December 15, 2020: Read about the latest Federal and State updates including guidance on the state income and unemployment tax changes in light of COVID-19.

November 1, 2020: Read about the updated New York telecommuting rules and register for upcoming year-end payroll webcasts. 

October 13, 2020: This issue highlights the 2020 year end checklist, the latest in federal payroll returns, New Jersey's Withholding Update, and more. 

September 1, 2020: KPMG report: Initial analysis of Notice 2020-65, guidance on employee payroll tax referral

August 19, 2020: Read the latest issue which includes the latest updates on the presidential memorandum on deferring payroll tax obligations (COVID-19).

June 25, 2020: Read the latest issue with updates on Form 941, Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act of 2020 and more.

Subscribe to Payroll Insights

Payroll Insights, a monthly publication from KPMG’s Employment Tax practice, covers current developments for payroll and employment tax.

Thank you

You are now subscribed to Payroll Insights. We are pleased to add you to our subscriber list so you will receive future issues of Payroll Insights.

Subscribe to Payroll Insights

Payroll Insights, a publication from KPMG LLP’s Employment Tax practice, covers current developments for payroll and employment tax. It is published periodically throughout the year as developments occur.

By submitting, you agree that KPMG LLP may process any personal information you provide pursuant to KPMG LLP's Privacy Statement.

An error occurred. Please contact customer support.

Explore more

Explore other services tailored to your business​

Thank you!

Thank you for contacting KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

Contact KPMG

Use this form to submit general inquiries to KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

By submitting, you agree that KPMG LLP may process any personal information you provide pursuant to KPMG LLP's Privacy Statement.

An error occurred. Please contact customer support.

Job seekers

Visit our careers section or search our jobs database.

Submit RFP

Use the RFP submission form to detail the services KPMG can help assist you with.

Office locations

International hotline

You can confidentially report concerns to the KPMG International hotline

Press contacts

Do you need to speak with our Press Office? Here's how to get in touch.

Headline