Staying compliant with ever-changing regulations is crucial for any business owner or HR professional. Here’s a breakdown of some important updates announced in June 2024 that will impact employers in 2025:
1. Social Security Wage Base Increase for 2025
The Social Security Administration’s Board of Trustees has projected a wage base of $174,900 for 2025. This is the maximum amount of salary subject to Social Security taxes.
What this means for you:
- Employers need to review their payroll systems before July 1, 2025, to ensure they’re correctly calculating and withholding Social Security taxes based on the new wage base.
- Remember, only earnings up to this limit are taxed for Social Security purposes. Any earnings above $174,900 in 2025 will not be subject to Social Security tax.
2. IRS Announces Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for 2025.
- Individual limit: This is expected to be around $3,850 (the exact amount will be confirmed later in 2024).
- Catch-up contribution for individuals age 55 or older: This amount is likely to remain at $1,450 for 2025.
What this means for you:
- If you offer HSAs as part of your employee benefits package, you’ll need to update your plan materials and communication to reflect the new contribution limits.
- Employees enrolled in HSAs should also be informed about the updated contribution limits so they can plan their contributions accordingly.
3. Governments Offer Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace
Several government agencies are developing guidance documents to address the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. This guidance focuses on issues like:
- Bias in AI algorithms: How to ensure AI tools used for hiring, promotions, or performance evaluations are fair and unbiased.
- Employee privacy concerns: How to protect employee data collected and used by AI systems.
- Transparency and explainability: Making sure employees understand how AI is being used in the workplace and the rationale behind AI-driven decisions.
What this means for you:
- While specific regulations for AI use in the workplace are still evolving, staying informed about these developments will help you implement AI responsibly and ethically.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
These are just a few of the key compliance updates employers should be aware of for 2025. By keeping yourself informed and proactively adjusting your practices, you can ensure your business remains compliant and avoids potential legal issues.
