State Updates

State and Local Employment Tax and Compliance Updates

  • Seattle Voters Approve A New Payroll Tax Expense: Voters passed Proposition 1A, imposing a 5% tax on annual compensation over $1 million per employee in Seattle.
  • Novato, California Minimum Wage Correction: The city corrected a previous error, adjusting the small business minimum wage from $16.42 to $16.50 per hour, effective January 1, 2025.
  • D.C. Minimum Wage Correction: The new rate is $17.95 per hour, not $18.00 as previously reported, effective July 1, 2025.

Compliance Opinions-1

IRS Hiring Freeze Could Lead to Tax Filing Delays, Impacting Businesses

The IRS hiring freeze and planned layoffs may cause significant delays in tax return processing, potentially affecting businesses awaiting refunds and tax-related documentation. Senate Democrats have warned that staffing cuts could degrade taxpayer services, including the IRS’s ability to process returns, answer inquiries, and keep systems running smoothly.

With 7,500 IRS employees already identified for dismissal—and more reductions possible due to high retirement eligibility—the backlog could grow, leading to slower tax refunds and delayed payroll-related filings. Businesses relying on timely processing for tax credits, payroll tax refunds, and compliance filings may need to prepare for potential disruptions.

Employers and payroll professionals should stay ahead of these challenges by filing early and maintaining close communication with tax advisors.

Compliance News

Former Business Owner Pleads Guilty to $3.1M Payroll Tax Fraud

A Virginia business owner has pleaded guilty to failing to pay employment taxes, causing a $3.1 million loss to the IRS. Richard E. Moore, former executive vice president and part owner of Nexus Services Inc., was responsible for withholding payroll taxes from employees but did not remit the funds to the IRS or file required tax returns for multiple quarters between 2015 and 2024.

Moore now faces up to five years in prison per count, along with restitution and financial penalties. His sentencing will be determined at a later date.

This case serves as a reminder for businesses to prioritize payroll tax compliance to avoid legal consequences. Employers must ensure timely withholding, filing, and remittance of employment taxes to remain compliant with IRS regulations.

Stay Compliant

Want the easy way to make sure you're always staying compliant with worker onboarding and pay? Contact us to learn how Zeal's platform and team of experts simplifies employment compliance.

Zeal is a financial technology company, not an FDIC insured depository institution. Banking services provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC. FDIC insurance coverage protects against the failure of an FDIC insured depository institution. Pass-through FDIC insurance coverage is subject to certain conditions.


Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circle design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted.