Federal Tax

Employer Leave Sharing Programs

A leave-sharing program is one an employer sets up where employees can donate their vacation, sick or personal leave in exchange for the employer making cash payments to a tax-exempt organization. The IRS just provided guidance on leave-sharing programs that provide relief to COVID-19 victims. Specifically, Notice 2020-46 provides that cash payments employers make, under leave-sharing programs, to tax-exempt organizations providing relief to COVID-19 victims, won’t be treated as wages or compensation to the employees for federal tax purposes. Employees who forgo leave can’t claim a charitable contribution deduction for its value. Click here for additional details. Contact us for more information. © 2020