Developments in Tax and Business
Home Ownership Still the American Dream
Almost three quarters (73%) of people who do not currently own a home say owning a home is one of their goals. Moreover, 75% of those polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of market fluctuations, according to a survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders.Benefits as a Percentage of Payroll Costs
How do your firm's numbers compare to the national averages for wages and employee benefits? Employer costs for employee benefits provided to American workers in March 2011 averaged $9.15 per hour worked and accounted for 30.4% of total employee compensation costs, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages and salaries in 2011 averaged $20.91 per hour and accounted for 69.6% of total employee compensation. The data measured nonfarm private and state and local government workers.Job Creation in Small Companies
Small companies have traditionally been the engine of job creation in the U.S. However, economic uncertainty is holding back many small employers from investing in new employees, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The survey found that 79% of small employers surveyed said that taxation, regulation, and legislation make it harder for them to increase hiring.The content contained within this newsletter is intended to provide generalized information that is appropriate in certain situations. It is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by you for the purposes of (1) avoiding any penalty that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Therefore it is important that you seek appropriate advice. If you desire such advice, please contract a member of our firm.
