Starting a Business?- The IRS has a new process to obtain an EIN

           

         New businesses are no longer required to file a Form SS-4 with the Internal Revenue Service to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).  Instead, you may complete the more user-friendly, interview-style application found on the IRS website.  By completing the online application, you will receive an EIN immediately to use for the purposes of opening a bank statements, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail.

             Some people cannot use the new online application.  If you are a third party filing the application on behalf of the business owner, the business owner must first complete a Form SS-4 and the third party must keep the application on file.  Single-member LLC’s with employees where the owner is an individual who does not already have a sole proprietor EIN cannot use the new application.  Likewise, if the business was incorporated outside the United States, the new application is not available.             If you fall into any of the excluded categories, or are a traditionalist, you may still request an EIN by mailing a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS.  To access the online application, click here or contact our law firm for assistance.

New Supreme Court Term

The Supreme Court will begin its new term on October 1, and employers should pay close attention to the docket.  This year, the Court will hear several employment law cases, and in particular several ADEA matters. 

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers age 40 and over from employment-related discrimination.  As your workforce ages and new generations start working (and supervising), make sure you understand at least the basics of the ADEA.  A great place to start is the Age Discrimination part of the EEOC website at http://www.eeoc.gov/types/age.html.

Drug-Free Workplace Advisor from the Department of Labor

Ronald Reagan has been quoted as saying: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”

The truth is that both the state and federal governments offer a wealth of free information, education, and tools for businesses of all sizes.

Last week we wrote about the Department of Labor’s Working Partners program to help businesses fight drug and alcohol abuse and the associated costs in their workplace.  The Working Partners website offers help to businesses of all sizes and in various stages of dealing with workplace substance abuse.

If you are in the early stages of developing a strategy to fight workplace substance abuse issues (or haven’t started yet), the Working Partners site has an area just for you.  The Drug-Free Workplace Advisor is an interactive tool that helps businesses build tailored drug-free workplace policies and programs and provides information about coverage and requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.  The Program Builder offers tools to help business owners focus on Policy Development, Supervisor Training, Employee Education, Employee Assistance Programs, and Drug Testing Programs.   

Working Partners – a worthwhile website

Not only is September National Preparedness Month, it’s also National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month. 

While this observance isn’t limited to just worplace drug and alcohol issues, it’s no secret that alcohol and drug addiction costs employers millions of dollars in healthcare costs, production slow down, and other effects.  In recognition of this, the US Department of Labor has created the Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program.   

Visit the Working Partners website for free training and educuational materials to help you, your employees, and your business rise above the costs of addiction.