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SHRM understands many of our members are responsible for more work this year than ever before, leaving them less time to plan ahead. So, we wanted to remind you of a few upcoming deadlines and effective dates that may be applicable to your employer. SHRM’s HR Knowledge Center has compiled resources on these and many more topics that impact the HR function. These resources are available only to SHRM members through SHRM's Express Request service. To receive these resources, please follow the links and key terms provided with each topic. Note: Once on the Express Request page, you may select all five topics and click submit once.

01/10/2011: GINA Title II Regulations Effective Date

The final regulations for Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) become effective on January 10, 2011. Among other provisions, the regulations include model safe harbor language that employers are strongly encouraged to use when lawfully requesting medical information from an employee, physician or other third party.

Key term: GINA Title II Final Regulations in the Employee Relations section.

01/31/2011: 2011 Tax Withholding Tables Implementation Deadline

The Internal Revenue Service has released instructions to help employers implement the 2011 cut in payroll taxes, along with new income-tax withholding tables that employers will use during 2011. Employees’ Social Security tax withholding rate is reduced from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid. Employers must start using the new withholding tables no later than January 31, 2011.

Key term: 2011 Tax Withholding Tables in the Compensation section.

01/31/2011: W-2 Distribution

The IRS deadline to distribute W-2s is Monday, January 31, 2011. Some common questions regarding W-2s include: May we provide W-2s electronically? Can SHRM provide a sample Electronic Delivery Consent Notice?

Key term: W-2 Distribution Deadline in the Compensation section.

02/01/2011: First Day of OSHA 300A

Posting Period: Beginning February 1 of each year, covered employers must post the OSHA-required Form 300A, which summarizes an employer’s reportable injuries and illnesses for the prior year. The Form 300A posting period is February 1-April 30, 2011.

Key term: OSHA 300A Posting Period in the Safety & Security section.

02/22/2011: Comment Deadline for Proposed NLRA Rights Poster

The National Labor Relations Board has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require many employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by posting a notice. The proposed rule would apply to private-sector employers subject to the NLRA, which excludes agricultural, railroad and airline employers. Members of the public can submit comments on the proposal until February 22, 2011.

Key term: NLRA Rights Proposed Poster in the Labor Relations section.

The Express Request (ER) feature is a self-service, online benefit that allows SHRM members to request and receive information on a wide variety of HR topics via e-mail. Responses are sent immediately and are available around-the-clock.

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