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US Employment Law & Compliance Blogs
Understanding ITIN: Your Essential Guide to Tax IDs
This comprehensive guide explains Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for international business owners expanding to the US. Learn what ITINs are, who needs them, how they differ from EINs and SSNs, the complete application process, renewal requirements, and how ITINs fit into your US tax compliance strategy for personal income obligations.
What is COBRA?
When your US employee resigns after eight months and demands information about “COBRA rights,” do you know how to respond? For international companies expanding to America, understanding COBRA isn’t optional—it’s a federal legal requirement that protects employees’ health insurance after job loss.
What is the FLSA? Fair Labor Standards Act Explained
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the cornerstone federal law governing wages, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor in the United States. For international companies expanding to the US, understanding FLSA compliance is critical for avoiding costly violations—with the Department of Labor recovering $149.9 million in back wages for 125,301 workers in 2024 alone, and individual cases reaching tens of millions in penalties.
Understanding FICA
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a critical federal payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare programs, requiring both employers and employees to contribute 7.65% each (15.3% total) on wages up to specific limits. For international companies expanding to the US, understanding FICA compliance is essential—the IRS collected $120.2 billion in unpaid employment tax assessments in 2024, with the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty holding business owners personally liable for 100% of unpaid taxes.
Ban-the-Box Laws: Criminal History Restrictions in US Hiring Processes
PEO master health plans promise better rates through scale, but rising denial rates and market changes have shifted the landscape. Small businesses now face unprecedented rejections while competitive open market options emerge. Understanding these changes is crucial for making informed decisions about employee health coverage and finding optimal solutions.
US Severance Pay Laws: Key Requirements for International Employers
PEO master health plans promise better rates through scale, but rising denial rates and market changes have shifted the landscape. Small businesses now face unprecedented rejections while competitive open market options emerge. Understanding these changes is crucial for making informed decisions about employee health coverage and finding optimal solutions.
US Pay Transparency Laws 2025
For international businesses expanding into the United States, successful market penetration requires thinking beyond a single-location strategy. The US market demands a multi-regional approach that reflects America’s diverse business ecosystem, with strategic presence across key regions like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and emerging growth markets.
US Immigration Compliance for International Employers
Discover how international companies can navigate US immigration compliance when hiring American talent and transferring global employees. Learn about I-9 requirements, visa categories, state regulations, and penalty risks. From L-1 transfers to H-1B applications, master the legal framework that protects your expansion while accessing America’s dynamic workforce.
US Employee Classification Guide
Employee classification represents one of the most complex aspects of US employment law for international companies. Unlike straightforward employment categories elsewhere, America operates a multifaceted system determining tax obligations, overtime eligibility, and legal protections. Misclassification errors trigger substantial penalties, back pay obligations, and class action lawsuits costing millions.
US Employment Letters: Essential Elements Every International Company Must Know
When international companies expand into the United States, crafting compliant employment letters becomes critical for success. Unlike statute-heavy countries, the US emphasizes written agreements defining employment relationships. Poorly drafted letters risk costly litigation and regulatory violations, making sophisticated document drafting essential for protecting business interests while attracting top talent.
At-Will Employment: What Foreign Companies Need to Know When Hiring in the USA
For international companies expanding to the United States, an Employer of Record (EOR) contract forms the foundation of your market entry strategy. This comprehensive guide explores essential contract terms, potential red flags, and practical strategies to secure favorable agreements that protect your interests while supporting your US growth objectives.
International Employer’s Guide: US Internship Requirements & Regulations
Navigate the complexities of US internship programs with confidence. This guide helps international businesses understand critical regulations, from Fair Labor Standards Act compliance to visa requirements. Learn how to structure legally sound internship programs while avoiding common pitfalls that could impact your US operations.
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