U.S. and State Payroll Tax Ramifications: Two Issues

DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Quality Stores Update – Federal Insurance Contribution Act

On January 14, 2014, the United States Supreme Court (the "Supreme Court") heard oral arguments in United States v. Quality Stores, Inc. The outcome of this case will clarify the taxable treatment of certain severance payments under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA).

Many employers have previously filed protective claims in order to extend open years for statute of limitation/potential refund purposes. The 2010 tax year will expire on April 15, 2014 for FICA refund purposes, and employers should review whether a protective claim should be filed for 2010 before that deadline.

It is expected that the Supreme Court will rule on this case during the summer of 2014. If the case is decided in the taxpayers favor, it is likely the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will issue guidance at that time pertaining to the requisite refund process for allowable claims. Ryan will continue to monitor the case and will provide updates as available.

Defense of Marriage Act Update

On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Windsor and struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Although this decision resulted in the equalization of the tax treatment of same-sex couples for Federal purposes, individual states continue to clarify the state tax treatment of same-sex couples.

Employers should continue to monitor state updates and guidance regarding the tax treatment of certain same-sex marriage benefits as state pronouncements, legislation, and court decisions will continue to alter requirements for both employer and employee payroll and tax purposes. Ryan will continue to monitor this issue and will provide updates as available.

About Ryan
Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a three-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 1,600 professionals and associates serves over 9,000 clients in 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at www.ryan.com.

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