Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for Your Business
Sarah B
Employers seeking to offer family-friendly benefits may want to consider flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for dependent care. These FSAs let employees make pre-tax contributions through payroll withholding to help cover eligible expenses. Because of the major tax bill enacted on July 4, 2025, the annual contribution limit, currently $5,000, will rise to $7,500 in 2026.
FSA contributions reduce employees’ income tax and payroll tax and employers’ payroll tax. Withdrawals used to pay qualified expenses are tax-free.
These include expenses for care for a child under age 13 or another dependent unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental limitations. Contact the office with questions.
Our regularly updated newsletter provides timely articles to help you achieve your financial goals. Please come back and visit often. Feature Articles Bonus Depreciation and Other Year-End Tax-Saving Tools for Businesses 5 Smart Tips for Individual Year-End Tax Planning Throwing a Party for Your Workforce? Know the Tax Rules Tax Tips Make Sure Every Donation Counts Making Tax-Free Gift in 2025 and 2026 Easier Reporting Rules for Some Forms Upcoming Tax Dates
November 17 Employers: Deposit Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for October if the monthly deposit rule applies. Employers: Deposit nonpayroll withheld income tax for October if the monthly deposit rule applies. Calendar-year exempt organizations: File a 2024 information return (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) if a six-month extension was filed. Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. December 10 Individuals: Report November tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).
A pesky reporting burden for businesses will be eased by legislation signed into law on July 4. Currently, businesses must issue a Form 1099-MISC to any payee (and to the IRS) when transactions reach $600 in a calendar year. And businesses that pay $600 or more for services rendered by an independent contractor must issue a Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation). Beginning with payments made in 2026, the threshold rises from $600 to $2,000 and will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years. This change simplifies compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for missed 1099 filings. However, businesses must continue to maintain accurate records of all payments.