Legislation

June's arrival for many Pennsylvanians signifies the start of summer fun -- beaches, sun and outdoor activities. But at the state Capitol, it's crunch time.

As trusted financial advisors to millions of Americans and businesses, accounting firms are uniquely positioned to provide their clients with information and services regarding the Affordable Care Act. Thomson Reuters is offering a new solution to help firms market their expertise to clients and has released a tax act overview and monthly client marketing newsletter focused on the Affordable Care Act.

Most people have heard the endless political arguments about the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare, but many still don't really know the full extent of what the law is. The Affordable Care Act was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010, becoming the biggest healthcare reform measure since the implementation of Medicaid and Medicare in 1965.

A new survey shows that, four years after being signed into law, about half of businesses understand and are prepared for the implications of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.

The sponsors of a bill to legalize marijuana possession in Rhode Island said Wednesday that the decades-old war on drugs has failed and that regulation is the answer.

According to a new study by the American Health Policy Institute (AHPI), it could cost some businesses almost $6,000 extra per employee. The report, “The Cost of the Affordable Care Act to Large Employers.” draws on internal cost data shared with AHPI by over 100 large employers (10,000 or more employees each) doing business in the United States.

For many employers, a zero-tolerance approach to drug use and random drug testing helps to ensure a safe, productive work environment. Yet more states are legalizing medical marijuana, and recreational use is legal in two others. A tangle of federal laws adds to the confusion. Being aware of the legal issues involved and the changing legal landscape is important for employers to ensure that their drug testing polices are legal and enforceable.

The IRS has been struggling in its efforts to close an estimated $385 billion “tax gap” between the amount that taxpayers owe and the amount they’ve actually paid. Now, to add another crushing weight, it has to ramp up Obamacare activities despite recent budget cutbacks.