facebook

Blog Post

California's Expanded Sick Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know for 2024

December 6, 2023

The upcoming changes to California's sick leave policies, set to be effective from January 1, 2024, mark a significant expansion signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom through SB 616. These amendments extend paid sick leave benefits to almost all employees working in California for at least 30 days within a year, aiming to enhance worker benefits and impose new obligations on employers across the state.

The main alteration is the increase in paid sick leave entitlement, escalating from three days or 24 hours annually to five days or 40 hours. This enhancement intends to offer employees more flexibility in managing health-related needs while ensuring financial stability.


For employers, several actions are crucial for compliance:

  1. Policy Updates: Employers need to revise sick leave policies to meet the increased hours, ensuring clear communication to employees.
  2. Bundled Policies: Companies using bundled policies including paid time off need to confirm they comply with or exceed the new sick leave requirements.
  3. Dissemination of Policies: It's essential to distribute the updated policies to all employees well in advance of the effective date.


Accrual and Lump Sum Methods

-Accrual: The standard accrual rate will remain the same at 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Employers must ensure employees accrue at least 24 hours by their 120th day of employment and the full 40-hour entitlement by the 200th day or within a designated 12-month period. Both will be earned at the same rate.  


-Lump sum:  choosing lump sum methods must provide a minimum of 24 hours or three days by the 120th day, with the remaining 16 hours or two days given after the 200th day. However, they can provide the full entitlement upfront, as long as it aligns with the law's provisions.


Accrual and Frontload Policy Implications

Regarding accrual and carryover policies, the rolling accrual cap has increased to 80 hours, allowing employees to carry over accrued sick leave to the next year. Employers with frontload policies must ensure the annual sick leave provided aligns with the updated requirements.


If you opt for the lump sum method, providing the entire annual leave (40 hours or five days) at the year's start exempts you from allowing carryover. Yet, the law mandates carryover if you split the lump sum leave into segments that don't offer the full amount at the year's onset, like distributing 24 and then 16 hours separately.


Local Sick Leave Rules Preemption

The revised law establishes preemption clauses, compelling localities to strictly follow state law on specific issues related to sick leave. These clauses prevent localities from implementing rules more restrictive or favorable to employees than the state law. The preemption applies to several key provisions, including the payout of unused sick leave at the end of employment, the advancement of sick days to employees that have not yet accrued, written notice requirements from employers regarding available leave, calculations for the rate of pay during actual sick leave taken by employees, notification requirements for both foreseeable and unforeseeable use of sick leave, and the timing of payment to employees for utilized paid sick leave.



As the implementation date approaches, California employers must prepare diligently for SB 616. Adherence to these revised sick leave requirements not only ensures legal compliance but also underscores a commitment to supporting employee well-being and maintaining a healthy workplace.


Deadline for businesses filing a BOI
February 19, 2025
The BOI reporting deadline has been extended to March 21, 2025, but more changes may be coming. Stay informed on the latest updates, compliance requirements, and what your business needs to do now. Read more on AdminBooks.
Computer screen with
February 5, 2025
Protect your QuickBooks Online account from fraud by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). Follow our step-by-step guide to secure your financial data today.
January 24, 2025
The Supreme Court has ruled to reinstate BOI Reporting.
January 20, 2025
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have devastated communities, leaving thousands dealing with property loss, displacement, and financial uncertainty. In response, both the IRS and the State of California have granted tax deadline extensions and financial relief to help individuals and businesses recover.
January 7, 2025
The new year is here, and with it comes an important deadline for business owners: January 31, 2025. If you’ve paid independent contractors, service providers, or freelancers $600 or more in 2024, you may need to file a 1099 form for them. With the deadline just weeks away, now is the time to get organized. Filing your 1099s on time not only avoids penalties but also keeps your business in good standing.
December 30, 2024
The requirements for filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) have shifted yet again. As of December 26, 2024, BOI filing is not currently required, following an order from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that restored an injunction against enforcing the CTA. However, this situation remains fluid and could change on short notice.
A reminder for end of the year accounting tasks for business owners
By Renee Daggett November 13, 2024
The end of the year is fast approaching! It’s time to wrap up those final tasks that can make a big difference in reducing stress and preparing your business for tax season. Here’s a handy checklist to help you complete important end-of-year to-dos: Record Your Vehicle’s Odometer Reading Note the odometer reading for any vehicles used for business. This is essential for calculating your business versus personal mileage usage. Ideally, you have a mileage log, but at the very least, an end-of-year reading will help determine your annual total. Count Your Inventory If your business holds inventory, you’re required to do a year-end count and record its value. This ensures accurate records for taxes and helps you start the new year on track. Collect W-9s from Vendors Check if you’ve paid any contractors or vendors over $600 throughout the year, as you’ll need to issue a 1099-NEC form for them or a 1099-MISC for rent or attorney payments. The IRS provides free forms (call 1-800-829-3676), but be sure to order early as they can take a couple of weeks to arrive. Back Up Your Data Make sure to back up all your data, especially financial records. Double-check that backups are copying correctly and consider keeping a second backup for added security. Verify Payroll Tax Rates For businesses with payroll, check if your state’s employment tax rates have changed for the upcoming year. You should have received a letter with any updated rates by early December. Send them to your payroll processing team ASAP. Copy Thermal Receipts Many receipts, like those from gas stations and office supply stores, are printed on thermal paper, which can fade over time. Make copies of these receipts, as the IRS requires readable details, not just credit card statements, in case of an audit. Schedule Corporate Minutes If applicable, make note of your corporate meeting dates for the coming year. Corporate minutes are often required annually, so it’s helpful to mark them in your calendar now. Review and Update Your Business Plan Reflect on your business goals. What are your revenue projections for 2024? Consider how they compare to 2023, and think about strategies to boost profits and streamline operations in the year ahead. Set a Closing Date in QuickBooks In QuickBooks, set a closing date and password to lock down your financial records, helping ensure accuracy and security for the year-end. Review Accounts Receivable and Payable Check your outstanding invoices and follow up with any clients who haven’t paid yet. Also, settle any bills you owe to maintain accurate records and cash flow. Assess Estimated Tax Payments Review your quarterly estimated tax payments to ensure they’re accurate. Making an extra payment by the end of the year can help avoid penalties and reduce next year’s tax burden. Evaluate Your Tax Deductions Look for any additional expenses you can deduct this year, like office supplies or software subscriptions. You may also want to contribute to retirement plans to maximize deductions. Analyze Business Expenses Go through your expenses to identify any unnecessary costs you could reduce or cut in the coming year. This can improve profitability and efficiency. Renew Business Licenses and Permits Check if any licenses or permits are expiring soon and renew them in advance. This helps avoid penalties and interruptions in business operations. Review and Update Employee Benefits Review your employee benefit plans, such as health insurance and retirement contributions, to ensure they’re competitive and compliant with regulations. Evaluate Your Financial Goals and Set New Ones Look at your business’s financial performance and set realistic goals for the next year. Whether it’s increasing revenue, reducing costs, or expanding services, setting measurable goals can help guide your strategy. Completing these tasks will help your business start the new year in a stronger position and make tax season that much smoother.
November 11, 2024
For businesses where tips and gratuities are common—such as salons, spas, or other service industries—knowing how to record these amounts correctly is essential. Tips need to be accurately recorded to ensure employees are paid properly and taxes are managed. Here’s a simple guide on handling tips in QuickBooks Online (QBO), with options to make your process as smooth as possible.
Grandparents learning about the tax liabilities of investing in their grand children.
September 4, 2024
Investing in your grandchild's future can be one of the most rewarding ways to secure their financial well-being. Whether you're contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan or setting up a UGMA/UTMA account, understanding the tax implications is key to maximizing your investment. Learn about gift tax exclusions, how to avoid the Kiddie Tax, and tips for using tax-advantaged accounts. This guide will help you make smart decisions for long-term growth while minimizing tax burdens. Discover how to invest wisely in your grandchildren's future! Read our complete guide now.
By Renee Daggett August 25, 2024
Want to save money in taxes WITHOUT working harder? One way is to shift income from a higher bracket taxpayer to a lower one or even a zero rate-bracket. Let me give you an example of how this can work.
More Posts
Share by: