Unemployment Insurance

Independent Contractor – Really?

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What do many of us have in common nowadays? Yeah, empty pockets and a crying need for money, money, money – and that includes your government. In the search for dollars, employers’ misclassification of employees as independent contractors beckons as a legitimate source of lost funds. So, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Unemployment Tax Division and the IRS both have an interest in worker-classification issues. It may be tempting to assume your workers are independent contractors and blithely pass on the responsibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Unemployment, and other payroll taxes. Best be sure of your classification though, because when one of the agencies comes knocking, they can collect not only back taxes but impose fines for your errors. Witness the $319 million fine the IRS slapped on FedEx! Continue reading “Independent Contractor – Really?”

Unemployment Benefits and Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The question of applying for Social Security Disability Benefits while on or applying for State Unemployment Benefits comes up more often these days. Some individuals might think this would be a good option for them, after all, you are unemployed, have a disability that will impact your life for 12 months and/or lead to death, need to cover bills, haven’t been successful yet in finding a job, and it can take a long time for your Social Security Disability benefits to get approved. Shouldn’t there be an easy answer? Continue reading “Unemployment Benefits and Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits?”

Sailing the Sea of Unemployment Insurance Claims and Appeals

Lisa Bogany Successfully handling an unemployment insurance claim is often looked at as a business owner’s rite of passage. Employers frequently contact our Employer Service’s Central Office looking for guidance before they terminate an employee or after they’ve received the claim notice. Will accepting my employee’s resignation result in me having to pay unemployment benefits? I’ve gotten a claim notice in the mail, what do I do now? The UI Claim’s process can be intimidating and, depending on whom you ask, downright confusing. Below is a look at what to do and not to do before and after a claim arises. Continue reading “Sailing the Sea of Unemployment Insurance Claims and Appeals”

Don’t Let the Gloom Doom You

The shattering results of the current recession have eliminated more than eight-million jobs over a two year period. Many economic pundits have said that the worst is probably over, but more people are still losing their jobs at a faster rate than any other time in history. Obviously, some industries have faired better than others during the economic decay, but danger still lurks in all areas. Continue reading “Don’t Let the Gloom Doom You”