October 7, 2013
In an effort to reduce the burden of unemployment insurance on local businesses, South Dakota is continuing to work on proposed legislation that could reduce UI tax rates, according to The Rapid City Journal. In addition to reducing rates, the proposal also suggests holding the wage base for UI at $14,000, meaning businesses would continue to pay UI on the first $14,000 earned for each employee. The proposed changes would take place beginning in 2015.
Proposal would save businesses millions
The executive director for the South Dakota Retailers Association, Shawn Lyons, said in an interview with The Rapid City Journal that the state legislature appears willing to hold the wage base until the Obama Administration requires moving it up to the $15,000-level. Combined with reducing the reserve ratios, the proposal could save businesses as much as $11 million by the end of 2015.
The news is good for South Dakota retailers and a relief given the UI saga that is playing out in other states, such a California. States that borrowed large amounts of federal money to pay UI are now forced to raise UI rates on employers to pay down debts that have been outstanding for two years or longer. According to Investors Business Daily; California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina and Indiana all have over $1 billion in liabilities, with California hovering around $9 billion. The states all suffer from higher than average unemployment rates as well, which required them to seek large amounts of federal money. Rates continue to go up for employers in the state UI system until the loans are repaid, which could take years for some states.
Nonprofits have other reduction options
While many private entities find themselves at the mercy of increasing UI rates, nonprofit and local governmental organizations can exercise a cost saving option. Tax code allows such organizations to become reimbursing employers and pay back to the state only what is actually paid out to employees.
Groups such as First Nonprofit Companies help nonprofits join a group of over 1,000 other eligible organizations in opting out of the state UI system. Just like the UI rates for private employers, the rules regarding self-reimbursement vary from state to state so working with a company such as First Nonprofit can help nonprofits and governmental entities realize maximum savings.
For information on how your organization can cost-effectively meet its unemployment insurance needs, contact First Nonprofit Companies at FNCUI@firstnonprofit.com or visit www.firstnonprofitcompanies.com.
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First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.
First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.
Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.
FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!
Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.
FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.
When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.
First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!