Windham Region Chamber of Commerce

Back To Work 2020

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STANDARD MILEAGE RATES FOR 2022 & OTHER MILEAGE TAX INFO

The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 58.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from the rate for 2021,
• 18 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, up 2 cents from the rate for 2021 and
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021.

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. For more details see Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but must opt to use it in the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage rate is chosen.

Notice 22-03, contains the optional 2022 standard mileage rates, as well as the maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2022 for which employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule.

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WANT TO HIRE SOME OF THE BEST GRADUATING COLLEGE STUDENTS?

The Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council has partnered with AdvanceCT to provide the CampusCT mobile experience through UpperCampus to create a destination for Connecticut students to gain exposure to all of the incredible companies and career opportunities that exist in Connecticut, with accompanying professional development and lifestyle curated content to connect the student to the community.

Connecticut students preparing to enter the workforce will have special access to the CampusCT section of the UpperCampus Explore app. Designed to look and feel like popular social media apps, students can scroll through
an expansive library of career, lifestyle and company related content that will help them envision a successful career right here in Connecticut. The CampusCT initiative will host several live events – employer sponsored
networking, group mixers, employer lunch and learns, and onsite tours – throughout the year to complement the CampusCT app and allow students to truly experience all that the State offers.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• A brand page complete with your logo & company overview, address/contact info, corporate website link, & company social media links
• 5 (five) employer starter stories for launch (includes ”About us”, mission, corporate culture, diversity & inclusion)
• 4 (four) additional employer stories per month (includes employee spotlights, internship program information, microcampaigns to create a narrative of who you are)

PRICING: (ANNUALLY)
UpperCampus Pro (250 or more employees): $5,000
UpperCampus for Small Business (under 250 Employees): $1,500

Reach out to AdvanceCT for more info–email Lmercurio@advancect.org.

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DONT HAVE AN IT GUY? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY

Cyber attacks are a growing threat for small businesses, and a recent U.S. Small Business Administration survey estimates that an astonishing 88% of small business owners are concerned about being vulnerable to cyber attacks. Many entrepreneurs don’t have the capability to afford IT professionals or don’t know where to start, but it’s important to learn about common threats, understand where your business might be vulnerable, and take concrete steps to improve your cybersecurity.

Below you will find some tips and best practices to protect your small business from cyber attacks.
Be smart about passwords

To improve your cybersecurity, use strong passwords that are unique to your various accounts. While it might be challenging to remember them, being diligent about your passwords will pay off in the long run.

The National Cybersecurity Society has developed a short guide to creating secure passwords for small businesses.
Stay alert

Whether you or your employees are entering data into your systems, sharing information with other partners or just ringing up a sale, it’s critical to be aware of possible phishing attacks. Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses email or is a malicious website that can infect your computer with viruses to collect your sensitive information.

Phishing emails appear as though they’ve been sent from a legitimate organization or known individual, and these emails often entice users to click on a link or open an attachment containing malicious code. Check out this cheat sheet to keep yourself and your employees aware of possible phishing attacks.
Use antivirus software

Equip your business’ computers and systems with antivirus and antispyware software. You can find an array of programs readily available that fit your small business needs, so make sure to choose a vendor that will configure automatic updates to correct security problems and improve functionality.
Protect your payment processors

Work with your financial institution or payment processor to ensure you have a complex payment system. To help you identify the best system for your business and how to protect it, check out this guide to data security essentials for small merchants.
Set up multi-factor authentication

Whenever appropriate and available, set up multi-factor authentication for your accounts. This process requires small business owners and their employees to provide additional information to add a second layer of security to log in and access sensitive information. Some companies automatically give you the option to set up multi-factor authentication to log into their accounts, so check with your financial institution and other vendors to see if they offer this feature.
Evaluate your business’ cybersecurity preparedness

We encourage you to take the NCSS online survey to assess your business’ vulnerability to cyber attacks and how you may improve your cybersecurity.

For additional how-to guides and frequently asked questions about how to protect your small business from cyber-attacks, visit the National Cybersecurity Society.

Reference:  Venturize

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NEW COVID RULES AS OF MAY 19

The following rules apply to all Connecticut businesses and organizations and are effective March 19, 2021. Please keep in mind that it is the cumulative effects gained from social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing that will continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses should take these rules as the minimum baseline of precautions needed to protect public health in Connecticut and refer to the recommended guidance by sector listed at the bottom of this page for best practices. Individual establishments should also take additional measures as recommended by industry experts or by common sense applied to their particular situation.

General Recommendations

Businesses/organizations should continue to support local public health contact tracing efforts, such as maintaining a log of employees on-premises over time.

Employers should continue to encourage employees to stay home when sick and encourage working from home when possible. In the event of a positive COVID-19 case, employees shall inform their employers and follow state testing and contact tracing protocols.

Businesses have the right to refuse service from customers not wearing masks.

Social distance markers, signage, and one-way traffic are still encouraged.

In terms of ventilation, facilities should work to increase the percentage of outdoor air that circulates into the system where possible, or use window units.

Businesses are still encouraged to post clear signage that includes the state hotline (211) for employees and customers to report potential violations of these rules. For additional information, please see Safe Workplace Recommendations for Employers.

Effective Friday, March 19, 2021

All Businesses/Organizations

Capacity limits are now up to 100%, subject to social distancing requirements (unless otherwise noted). However, it is the right of the operator/owner if they choose to operate below 100% capacity.

6 ft. spacing and social distancing continues to be required where possible (unless otherwise noted).

Masks continue to be required in all public settings where social distancing is not possible.

All establishments must follow CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting guidelines.

Performers and musical vocalists at restaurants, outdoor and indoor events, and performing arts venues are allowed, subject to the following:

  • 12 ft. spacing or more from the nearest person dining or working (for example, workstations or walking paths used by employees must be included in the 12 ft. distancing).
  • To maximize the protection of their patrons and employees, businesses/organizations are strongly encouraged to require performers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) within 72 hours prior to performing.

Sports and Gyms/Fitness Centers

All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance.

Indoor and outdoor pools should limit the total number of patrons in the pool area and pool to the number of people/households that can safely fit on the pool deck area while maintaining 6 ft. of distance, including 3 ft. wide walking paths. “Free swim,” where individuals are not engaged in lap swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, or other similar organized water activities, is discouraged prior to April 20. Youth and amateur swimming teams are subject to DPH guidance.

Road race organizers are encouraged to follow the guidance contained in the Outdoor Events Reopen Recommendations below.

6 ft. spacing is still required between gym/fitness center customers, as are masks.

Restaurants & Indoor Recreation

6 ft. spacing or non-porous barrier continue to be required between tables, with an 8-person maximum table capacity.

Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service– bars that only serve beverages must remain closed. No standing bar services is allowed outside of private events.

All restaurants and indoor recreation continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.

Movie Theaters and Performing Arts Venues

Capacity limit is still up to 50%.

6 ft. spacing is required between parties.

All movie theaters and performing arts venues continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.

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SUMMARY OF ALL NEW COVID RELATED RULES

VACCINATION SCHEDULE AND ELIGIBILITY

Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program include all individuals over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. Over the coming weeks, eligibility will expand based on age according to the following schedule:

  • March 22, 2021: Expands to ages 45 to 54
  • April 12, 2021: Expands to ages 35 to 44
  • May 3, 2021: Expands to ages 16 to 34

OPENING DAY OF FISHING WILL BE EARLY

Executive Order No. 10B enacts the early opening of 2021 fishing season.  Connecticut’s 2021 fishing season will open effective immediately, ahead of the scheduled date of April 10.  2021 Connecticut Fishing Guide

NEW REOPENING GUIDELINES

Protocols that will remain in effect until further notice include: 

  • Face coverings and masks continue to be required
  • Bars that only serve beverages continue to remain closed
  • 11PM closing time remains in place for events at venues, restaurants, and entertainment
  • Indoor theaters continue to have a 50% capacity
  • Large event venues (e.g. stadiums) to open in April

 Beginning Friday, March 19, 2021

 1.  All capacity limits will be eliminated for the following businesses, while face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required: 

  •  Restaurants (8-person table capacity and 11PM required closing time for dining rooms continues)
  •  Retail
  •  Libraries
  •  Personal services
  •  Indoor recreation (excludes theaters, which will continue to have a 50% capacity)
  •  Gyms/fitness centers
  •  Museums, aquariums, and zoos
  •  Offices
  •  Houses of worship

2.  Gathering sizes will be revised to the following amounts:

  • Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
  • Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoor

3.  All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance

4.  Connecticut’s travel advisory will be modified from a requirement to recommended guidance

Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021

Capacity limits on early childhood classes will increase from 16 to 20

Beginning Friday, April 2, 2021

  • Outdoor amusement parks can open
  • Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
  • Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
  • Summer camps and summer festivals are advised to begin the planning stages to open for the upcoming season

EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND EMERGENCY POWERS

Governor Lamont’s emergency powers are set to expire April 20 and he does not believe he will extend it.  Regulations moving forward will go thru the legislative process.

SURVEY RESULTS ON WHETHER EMPLOYERS ARE MANDATING VACCINATIONS

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OSHA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON COVID IN WORKPLACE

The new guidance  applies to industries outside of healthcare.  OSHA previously issued separate guidance applicable to healthcare and emergency response.  “The guidance does not create any new legal requirements or obligations, but is advisory only.  OSHA intends for the guidance to assist employers with planning.”

OSHA’s recommendations include:

  1. Assignment of a workplace coordinator responsible for COVID-19 issues.
  2. Identification of where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
  3. Identification of a combination of measures that will limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace based on a hierarchy of controls.
  4. Consideration of protections for workers at higher risk for severe illness.
  5. Establishment of a system for effective communications in a language that all workers understand.
  6. Education and training workers on company COVID-19 policies and practices.
  7. Instructing infected or potentially infected workers to stay home and isolate or quarantine to prevent or reduce the risk of future transmission.
  8. Minimizing the negative impact of quarantine and isolation on workers.
  9. Immediately isolating workers who display symptoms at work.
  10. Performing enhanced cleaning and disinfection after people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 have been in the facility.
  11. Providing guidance on screening and testing.
  12. Recording and reporting COVID-19 infections and deaths.
  13. Implementing protections from retaliation and setting up an anonymous process for workers to voice concerns about COVID-19 related hazards.
  14. Making a COVID-19 vaccination program or informational series at no cost to all eligible employees.
  15. Not distinguishing between workers who are vaccinated and those who are not.
  16. Consideration of other applicable OSHA Standards that apply to protecting workers from infection.

The new guidance contains additional detail in implementing OSHA’s recommendations.

By Salvatore G. Gangemi on