Workforce strategy: Tax considerations for a sustainable, effective plan

ARTICLE | May 15, 2023

Authored by RSM US LLP

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Whether it’s remote work, fringe benefits, or equity pay, the tax costs of compensation and benefit offerings do not have to stand between your organization and a successful, sustainable workforce strategy. In fact, understanding the tax implications can help you align your compensation philosophy with your business objectives and what your workers value.

The tax planning and compliance considerations are often complex, so we have curated these insights to help foster your understanding. Because when your organization thoughtfully considers its options for compensating, incentivizing, recruiting, and retaining employees, you commit to cultivating a workforce that differentiates your organization in the marketplace and positions it for long-term success.

Dig deeper

• Compensation philosophy
• Remote work and hybrid work
• Equity pay and incentive structures
• Fringe benefits

Compensation philosophy

Maximizing the return on your investments in workforce

A compensation philosophy amounts to a set of practical principles designed to maximize employee performance in roles that drive overall business performance. An organization that defines its business goals and key drivers can home in on the roles required to achieve its objectives, and then on the compensation and benefit offerings necessary to attract and retain talented employees for those roles.

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Remote work and hybrid work

Flexibility enabled by tax planning and compliance

As workers convey their preferences for the flexibility allowed by remote and hybrid work, employers that understand the compliance costs of such arrangements can assess their value to the business’s overall workforce strategy. A sustainable plan for remote or hybrid work should comply with state and local laws. This involves tracking employees’ locations, understanding reciprocal agreements between states where applicable, and meeting reporting and withholding requirements for every jurisdiction in which they take on tax obligations.

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• Employer compensation considerations for remote workers
• Remote work pay strategies that account for geographic differences
• Remote workforces are complicating state tax nexus and withholding
• RSM US Middle Market Business Index special report: Workforce

Equity pay and incentive structures

Driving performance of key employees

What do middle market employees want?

22% vs. 12% equity/share ownership

36% vs. 24% incentive compensation arrangements

*Source: RSM/Big Village survey, Fall 2022

Equity-based incentives can effectively support organizational performance when they are designed for executives and key employees who truly drive the business. Some inherent complexities, though, such as the value of stock in private companies, can create a lack of transparency that undermines the incentivizing force.

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• Tax withholding for equity compensation
• Frequently asked questions about stock options and tax implications
• 9 frequently asked questions about phantom stock plans

Fringe benefits

Tax-efficient support of creativity in compensating workers

Cash may be king, but it’s not the only way to compensate an employee or make them feel valued. Fringe benefits are an opportunity for a company to be creative, respond to workers’ preferences and differentiate itself in the labor market. Regardless of whether the benefits involve relatively high dollar amounts, such as 401(k) contributions or health insurance, or are less expensive, like transportation subsidies or education assistance, delivering them tax-efficiently can improve the return on the company’s investment.

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This article was written by RSM US LLP and originally appeared on May 15, 2023.
2022 RSM US LLP. All rights reserved.
https://rsmus.com/insights/services/business-tax/workforce-strategy-tax-considerations-sustainable-effective-plan.html

The information contained herein is general in nature and based on authorities that are subject to change. RSM US LLP guarantees neither the accuracy nor completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for results obtained by others as a result of reliance upon such information. RSM US LLP assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect information contained herein. This publication does not, and is not intended to, provide legal, tax or accounting advice, and readers should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of tax laws to their particular situations. This analysis is not tax advice and is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for purposes of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer.

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