The IRS has released the optional “high-low” per diem rates for lodging expenses and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) that may be used instead of the General Services Administration’s “actual” per diem rates for travel to locations within the continental U.S. (CONUS), the special federal M&IE per diem rates applicable to the transportation industry, and the per diem rate for incidental expenses. The updated high-low rates apply for travel undertaken on or after October 1, 2023 [Notice 2023-68, 9-25-23].
High-Low Rates
The “high” rate for lodging expenses and M&IE increases to $309 (from $297) for travel to any high-cost locality, while the “low” rate increases to $214 (from $204) for travel to any other locality within CONUS. The rates for M&IE remain at $74 for high-cost localities and $64 for any other locality within CONUS.
Changes to High-Cost Localities
Notice 2023-68 contains an updated list of high-cost localities, which now includes Yosemite National Park, Calif.; Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Missoula, Mont.; Saratoga Springs/Schenectady, N.Y.; Eugene/Florence, Ore.; and Montpelier, Vt.
The portions of the year for which some localities are considered high-cost has also been adjusted, and four localities have been removed from the list.
Other Items
Transportation industry rates. The federal M&IE rates for the transportation industry remain at $69 for any locality of travel within CONUS and $74 for any locality of travel outside the continental U.S.
Incidental expenses. Instead of using actual expenses in computing the amount allowable as a deduction for ordinary and necessary incidental expenses paid or incurred for travel away from home, an employee or self-employed individual may use an amount computed at the rate of $5 (unchanged) per day for each calendar day (or partial day) he or she is away from home.

Courtesy of PyrollOrg

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Thursday, October 12, that the 2024 social security wage base will be $168,600, which is an increase of $8,400 from $160,200 in 2023 [SSA, Press Release, 10-12-23]. The SSA Fact Sheet is available at https://www.payroll.org/docs/default-source/irs-and-ssa-announcements/23k12-2024-Social-Security-Fact-Sheet.pdf.
Maximum social security tax. The maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay in is $10,453.20, an increase of $520.80 from $9,932.40 in 2023.

Courtesy of PayrollOrg

The payroll industry is dynamic and ever-changing. Each year, federal, state, and local legislative changes affect how payroll is administered. Payroll professionals must keep their knowledge up to date to avoid hefty noncompliance fines.  Register for our program and let us help you advance your knowledge and prepare to take and pass the FPC or CPP certification exam this year!  Our live, instructor led program prepares you for either exam and exam cost is included in our program fee. Program runs from 9am to 4pm and it’s virtual live.   

Eligibility Requirements for FPC and CPP Examinations/Certification

There are no payroll experience requirements to take the FPC exam. However, to be eligible to sit for the CPP exam, the American Payroll Association (APA) requires that candidates meet specific payroll experience or educational criteria. See the links below for details on each certification option.  

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The FPC is a certification credential for those new to payroll and sales, service and support professionals. The exam is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. For more information visit: www.americanpayroll.org/certification

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) 

The CPP is a certification credential for experienced payroll professionals. To qualify for CPP certification, candidates at a minimum must have three years of payroll practice in the five years prior to taking the exam. For more information

visit: www.americanpayroll.org/certification

Prove Your Payroll Expertise

American Payroll Association’s payroll credentials, FPC and CPP, offer career growth, advancement, and recognition. Certification can help you:

• Increase your salary.
• Demonstrate your commitment to being an expert in the payroll field.
• Boost your confidence and recognition.
• Set you apart from colleagues and make you more valuable to your organization.

 Program Details – What’s Included

• Learn from a knowledgeable instructor who provides expertise, insight and one-on-one guidance.
• Network, share experiences and discuss topics with a diverse group of payroll professionals.
• Stay on track toward earning your certification with a structured learning experience and instructor support.
• Program fee includes all books and actual CPP or FPC exam
• Gain 24/7 access to our online learning system designed to help you understand, apply, and engage with relevant payroll content and online exercises.  Online modules are aligned with the FPC and CPP exams, and interactive study tools are available to test your knowledge, skills, and abilities are incorporated into the study process.
• Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of La Verne. 

Scheduling Your Exam

For best results, we recommend scheduling your certification exam for a date that is after the end of our program. See details for our program and exam window.  For more details on how to apply for your exam, visit www.americanpayroll.org/certification

ACTUAL VIRTUAL LIVE CLASS DATES AND TIMES

Saturdays – March 4^th through April 8^th
9am to 4pm
6 Sessions

The exam is offered in North America during the following windows:

Spring 2023
Registration: November 7, 2022 – April 14, 2023
Exam: January 9 – April 15, 2023

Fall 2023
Registration: July 5 – October 6, 2023
Exam: September 9 – October 7, 2023

Exams administered from September 10, 2022 through September 8, 2023, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2022.

Exams administered from September 9, 2023 through September 7, 2024, feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2023.

Program Outline

Our comprehensive program provides participants with a solid understanding of advanced payroll topics necessary for payroll managers and supervisors responsible for their organization’s compliance. This program is ideal for experienced payroll professionals seeking compliance training, professional development, or CPP/FPC exam preparation.

Topics include the advanced study of:

• Payroll Concepts
• Calculations of Pay
• Calculations of Deductions and Net Pay
• Fringe Benefits and Other Payments
• Retirement Plans
• Cafeteria Plans
• Payroll Reporting and Employment Taxes
• Record Keeping and Payroll Practices
• Payroll Accounting and Audits
• Payroll Administration and Management
• Health Benefits
• International Payments

We look forward to working with you.   For additional questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 909-225-7309.  Thanks, Jaimie

On October 13, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the 2023 social security wage base will be $160,200, which is an increase of $13,200 from $147,000 in 2022 [SSA, Press Release, 10-13-22]. The SSA Fact Sheet is available at https://www.americanpayroll.org/compliance/compliance-overview/annual-irs-annoucements.

Maximum social security tax. The maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay in is $9,932.40, an increase of $818.40 from $9,114.00 in 2022.

Courtesy of the APA – Jyme Mariani, Esq.

The IRS released cost-of-living-adjustments (COLAs) for 2023 reflecting any increases in excludable transportation fringes and the flexible spending arrangement (FSA) deferral limit, among other changes [Rev. Proc. 2022-38, 10-18-22].

Transportation Fringes

For 2023, the amounts that may be excluded from gross income for employer-provided qualified transportation fringe benefits and qualified parking increase to $300 per month ($280 in 2022).

FSA Deferrals

For plan years beginning in 2023, the dollar limitation for voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health FSAs increases to $3,050 ($2,850 in 2022). For cafeteria plans that permit the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount increases to $610 ($570 in 2022).

Courtesy of the APA – Jyme Mariani, Esq.