The state of New York has released much-needed guidance on the tax implications of employee premium contributions and benefits under the state’s new Paid Family Leave (PFL), slated to go into effect on January 1, 2018. According to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance:

Benefits paid to employees will be taxable non-wage income that must be included in federal gross income.

Taxes will not automatically be withheld from benefits; employees can request voluntary tax withholding.

Premiums will be deducted from employees’ after-tax wages.

Employers should report employee contributions on Form W-2 using Box 14 – State disability insurance taxes withheld.

Benefits should be reported by the State Insurance Fund on Form 1099-G and by all other payers on Form 1099-MISC.

The Department released this guidance upon consideration of applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and after consultation with the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Department warns, however, that every employee, employer and insurance carrier should consult with its own tax advisor.

The Department’s Notice can be found here: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/notices/n17_12.pdf.

We have written about the New York Paid Family Leave law in previous blog posts in July 2017, May 2017, March 2017, and April 2016.

MATRIX CAN HELP! Matrix provides leave, disability, and accommodation management services to employers seeking a comprehensive and compliant solution to these complex employer obligations. We monitor the many leave laws being passed around the country and specialize in understanding how they work together. For leave management and accommodation assistance, contact us at ping@matrixcos.com.