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On May 4, 2026, the IRS released updated penalty amounts for 2027 related to the employer shared responsibility (“pay-or-play”) rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For calendar year 2027, the adjusted $2,000 penalty amount is $3,780, and the adjusted $3,000 penalty amount is $5,670. This is an increase from the penalty amounts for the…

OSHA recently published a proposed rule to remove the Nov. 18, 2036, deadline in its Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This standard would have required all fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems by this deadline. Background One of the more…

Employers use one of a few standard payroll cycles. While some follow a monthly or weekly period, most have a semi-monthly (twice per month) or biweekly (every other week) schedule. In fact, biweekly is one of the more common payroll cycles, with 43% of employers following this cadence, according to a report from the Bureau…

HR professionals carry a long list of responsibilities, including oversight of recruitment, compliance, employee engagement, benefits administration, and learning and development (L&D). In many cases, these professionals work in a small team with minimal support, or even as a department of one. The scope of their responsibilities continues to expand, often without a corresponding increase…

The IRS has extended transition relief from enforcement of some paid family and medical leave (PFML) state and employer tax obligations under Revenue Ruling 2025-4. The extension lasts through calendar year 2026 and applies to the portion of medical leave benefits a state pays to an individual that is attributable to employer contributions. The extension…

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 10, 2025 Ollis/Akers/Arney Named in Top Five of America’s Best Workplaces SPRINGFIELD, MO – Ollis/Akers/Arney ranks as one of America’s Best Workplaces Top Ten employers, securing the 5th place ranking among medium companies nationwide. After three years as the #1 Best Place to Work in southwest Missouri administered…

Fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and a natural shift toward cozy routines and reflection. These changes can positively impact your physical and mental well-being, offering a chance to reset and embrace healthy habits. Fall often ushers in a season of transition, bringing fresh school routines, shifting schedules and the bittersweet farewell to summer. This…

President Donald Trump recently signed a major tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act), into law. The OBBB Act includes changes for employee benefit plans, including the following:  For more help on what this means for your organization, contact Ollis/Akers/Arney Human Resources Consulting. © 2025 Zywave,…

Summer internship programs are temporary work opportunities that help students and young professionals gain practical work experience while developing valuable skills and creating professional connections. For employers, internships help support business operations and expand their talent pipeline.  Organizations that currently run a summer internship program may benefit from reviewing best practices. Those that don’t currently…

1. Since you have been in an ESOP for a while now, what would you tell new ESOP employees? Don’t get discouraged while waiting for your first ESOP Statement.  I waited almost 2 years before seeing the value of my ESOP shares (I was hired in August) but once I saw the number of shares…