Customer Alert: Connecticut State Income Tax Update

Connecticut State Income Tax Calculation Update is Now Available

This alert is to notify you of Sage Employer Solution's response to recent Connecticut State Income Tax requirements. If you do not process payroll in the state of Connecticut, please disregard this Customer Alert.

Connecticut recently enacted legislation that makes significant changes to the State's Income tax withholding calculations retroactively to January 1, 2011. These income tax changes are in effect for the entire tax year. Employers are required to adjust the withholding amounts for employees affected by the new rates and additional provisions. Connecticut employers and tax payers need to implement the new tax rates and follow these additional requirements:

• Allow for additional tax provisions to recapture tax from taxpayers over certain income brackets
• Implement a tax rate phase out for the 3% tax rate
• Perform catch-up withholding for the current tax year
  

To maintain compliance with the new Connecticut legislation effective August 1, 2011, as of July 26, 2011 Sage has a tax update specifically for users mandated to make these changes. The Sage Abra Suite Connecticut tax update contains provisions for the following:

• To calculate the new withholding tax amount
• Allow for the recapture amounts
• Implement the phase out of the 3% tax rate
• Calculate the catch-up amount for each employee affected.
  

These Updates are now Available for Download:

1. Download the update specific to your Abra version from SupportPlus Online.
2. Select Quarterly Tax Updates Available Here!
3. For Abra Suite v7.88, Select CT Tax Update v7.88.22 from either Site 1 or Site 2, download and save the CT_Tax_Updatev7.88.22.zip file to the appropriate location.
4. For Abra Suite v9.07, Select CT Tax Update v9.07.32.01 from either Site 1 or Site 2, download and save the SageAbraSuite09_073201.zip file to the appropriate location.
5. There is a new Crystal Report installed with the update in the ...\Data\CustomReports\Payroll folder CT Catch-Up Withholding.rpt.
6. Please read the Release Bulletin included with the Product Update for important information regarding changes and installation instructions.
   

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need technical help with downloading or applying this Product Update. Give us a call at 860-678-4401 or send us an email (abratechsupport@sage.com).

Live Chat is available from SupportPlus Online. While not intended for the complex issues or balancing questions, Live Chat is great when you need help from a customer support representative on locating and applying the tax updates, locating pertinent documentation and locating our helpful videos.

Note for our customers processing payroll in the state of Connecticut: Our release of Abra Suite Version 9.1 will coincide within a few weeks of the 3rd Quarter Tax Updates. Therefore, Version 9.1 will not address the 'Connecticut State Income Tax Calculation Updates' until the 3rd Quarter 2011 product release for Version 9.1. If you are planning to upgrade to Version 9.1, we recommend upgrading with the availability of the 3rd Quarter product tax updates.

CMS Attends Staffing World

CMS is excited to announce that we will be attending the American Staffing Association’s STAFFING WORLD® 2011 in New Orleans, LA Oct 11-14, 2011 with our friends from Computer Management Services, LLC.

Staffing World is the world's largest gathering of staffing and recruiting professionals. It is where industry leaders from around the world come together to share best practices and learn through case studies how to improve performance, develop innovative ideas, and create and sustain high-value companies.

Please visit us at Booth Number 924!


For information about our partnership with Computer Management Services please visit our Staffing Link 360 website.

For additional information about Staffing World 2011, please visit: http://www.americanstaffing.ne​t/convention/

Webinar: In House or Outsourced Payroll Processing - Exploring the Options

In House or Outsourced Payroll Processing - Exploring the Options
Whether you want to process your payroll in house or outsource it, as a Sage Abra HR user you have options. Attend this webcast and explore how integrating you Sage Abra HR software with either Sage Abra Payroll software or the CompuPay outsourced payroll service can simplify your HR and payroll processes.

August 11, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
August 25, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
September 8, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
September 22, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

CMS Announces new iRecruit to support Enterprise Marketplace

Farmington, CT—July 14, 2011- Cost Management Services (www.cmshris.com), provider of employer based solutions, announced today that it has expanded the iRecruit product to support the Enterprise market space.

iRecruit is a cloud-based applicant tracking and recruiting software that boasts extremely robust integration with Sage Abra HRMS. As a cloud-based solution, iRecruit requires minimal IT support, does not require any server installation, which lets our customers get up and running very quickly.

“Expanding iRecruit to support the enterprise space,” said Brian Kelly, President of CMS, “Will enable us to work with larger companies who have more requirements when it comes to applicant tracking and recruiting.”

Some of the features of the new release, due on August 1, 2011 includes: Custom Career Center providing applicants with login credentials and two way communications with Recruiters and Hiring Managers, Pre-Screening Questions (OFCCP), Job Postings in XML format to feed Job Boards and iRecruit’s customized workflow making iRecruit powerful and easy to use.

For details about iRecruit, or to schedule a webinar presentation, please call Brian directly at 860-678-4401 or visit: www.irecruit-software.com



###


About Cost Management Services
Cost Management Services (CMS – www.cmshris.com) has been providing employer based solutions, including web‐based recruiting solution – iRecruit (www.irecruit-software.com), Employment Tax Credit Services (www.cmswotc.com); and the Sage Abra HRMS human resource and payroll solutions. With over 25 years of experience our focus on quality professional services allows us to achieve our goal of complete client satisfaction. CMS utilizes proven technology, implementation methodologies, expertise, and one‐on‐one training to automate, streamline and integrate the complete workforce management process.

CMS Announces New iRecruit for Canadian Marketplace

Farmington, CT—July 12, 2011- Cost Management Services (www.cmshris.com), provider of employer based solutions, announced today that it has expanded the iRecruit product to support the Canadian marketplace.

iRecruit is a cloud-based applicant tracking and recruiting software that boasts extremely robust integration with both Sage Abra HRMS & Accpac HRMS. As a cloud-based solution, iRecruit requires minimal IT support, and does not involve any server installation, which lets our customers get up and running very quickly.

“Expanding iRecruit to support Canadian customers,” said Brian Kelly, President of CMS, “Will enable us to work with Sage Accpac and Accpac HRMS business partners to sell iRecruit in that marketplace.”

“It’s perfect, iRecruit web based solution leverages the Sage on-premise solutions”

Canadian iRecruit for Sage Accpac HRMS customers will enjoy the same robust integration that U.S. clients enjoy, allowing them to onboard new hires directly from iRecruit into their HR system, potentially saving time and money.

For details about iRecruit, please call Brian directly at 860-678-4401 or visit: www.irecruit-software.com


###

CMS Announces New Integration from iRecruit to Work Opportunity Tax Credit Services

CMS Announces New Integration from iRecruit to Work Opportunity Tax Credit Services

Farmington, CT—July 11, 2011- Cost Management Services (www.cmshris.com), provider of employer based solutions including work opportunity tax credit (“WOTC”) services, cloud-based recruiting software iRecruit and Sage Abra HRMS Software, announced today that it has expanded the iRecruit product to include greater integration to its WOTC processing services.

“The new integration feature,” said Brian Kelly, President of CMS, “Will allow iRecruit customers to take advantage of federal tax credit programs designed to initiate jobs.” The Integration between iRecruit and CMS’s WOTC service will allow our clients a great work flow solution.

“Clients who sign up for our WOTC services can save up to a maximum of $9,000.00 per new hire that qualify.” Said Brian Kelly, “Furthermore, based on our experience we know that between 10% and 15% of all your new hires qualify under one of the federal provisions to receive such a tax savings, such as Unemployed Veterans and Disconnected Youths.”

As a Service Provider CMS is also opening up their WOTC services to other Sage Business Partners.


For details about our WOTC services, please call Brian directly at 860-678-4401 or visit: www.cmswotc.com


###


About Cost Management Services
Cost Management Services (CMS – www.cmshris.com) has been providing employer based solutions, including Employment Tax Credit Services (www.cmswotc.com); web‐based recruiting solution – iRecruit (www.irecruit-software.com) developed by CMS); and the Sage Abra HRMS human resource and payroll solutions. With over 25 years of experience our focus on quality professional services allows us to achieve our goal of complete client satisfaction. CMS utilizes proven technology, implementation methodologies, expertise, and one‐on‐one training to automate, streamline and integrate the complete workforce management process.

Webinar: Data-Driven HR Organization

The Data-Driven HR Organization: How to Achieve It and How to Benefit from It

In your daily HR activities, have you ever said, "If only we had known . . . " about such things as excessive overtime, expiring certifications, or employee pay rate changes? If so, you can avoid doing so in the future by becoming a "data driven" HR organization.

Attend this live webcast and learn how you can become a data-driven HR organization and provide a higher level of service to your organization.

August 4, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
September 1, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: How to Save Money, Improve Service and Comply With Healthcare Reform by Automating Your Benefit Carrier Communications

Learn how to simplify your benefits administration, cut costs, and improve the employee experience by electronically communicating employee benefits enrollment data from Sage Abra to all of your benefits carriers. We will also discuss how portions of the 2010 healthcare reform legislation impact enrollment management for employers -- both now and in the future.

August 10, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
August 23, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: HR Actions for Sage Abra

HR Actions - Create, Route, Approve, and Save Paperless Web-Based Forms

This introduction to HR Actions® for Sage Abra demonstrates how employees, managers, and administrators can easily submit web-based forms for any HR transaction, including performance appraisals. Join us to see how validated forms are routed for approval based upon your business rules and how approved forms update Sage Abra with the click of a mouse. Web self-service has never been easier!

August 3, 2011, 3:00PM - 4:00PM Eastern Time
August 23, 2011, 11:00AM - 12:00PM Eastern Time
August 31, 2011, 3:00PM - 4:00PM Eastern Time


Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Open Enrollment

Get Ready for Open Enrollment With Sage Abra Benefit Management Solutions

Get ready for the open enrollment period and learn in this webcast how Sage Abra HRMS can help you and your employees with benefit elections, how to automate communication with your benefit provider, and learn about the new Sage Retirement Services.

August 3, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
August 17, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time


Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Sage Abra Employee Self Service

Empower Your Employees and Managers With Sage Abra Employee Self Service

Learn how to empower your employees and managers with online access to HR, benefits, and payroll information through secure employee portals. Join us to find out more about the Sage Abra Employee Self Service solution (Abra ESS).

August 2, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
August 16, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
September 14, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Introduction to Sage Abra HRMS

Introduction to Sage Abra HRMS (For Prospective Customers)

Learn how Sage Abra HRMS can make HR more strategic and solve your HR and payroll challenges with integrated solutions including HR, payroll, benefits, training, recruiting, and compliance.

Sage Abra HRMS offers a flexible design and modular features to meet the needs of small and midsized companies. Attend this webcast to learn how Sage Abra can help you more efficiently manage your workforce:

- Simplify benefits administration
- Ensure compliance
- Accurately manage attendance plans
- Streamline the recruiting process
- Allow employees to access personal information and enroll in benefits

July 27, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
August 10, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Automating Human Resources

Building the Business Case for Automating the Human Resources Function

This live webcast will outline how HR professionals can prepare and defend a proposal focused on automating the administrative functions within HR. This webcast has been approved for 1.00 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute (www.hrci.org).

July 26, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
July 27, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Paperless Payroll With the Sage Payroll PayCard

Paperless Payroll With the Sage Payroll PayCard
Offer your employees a cost-effective and secure way to receive their paycheck electronically with the Sage Payroll PayCard. Find out how easy it is to enroll and start offering your employees a new payroll benefit immediately!

July 21, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
July 28, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
August 4, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time
August 11, 2011, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.

Webinar: Cost-Effective Compliance

Cost-Effective Compliance: What It Consists Of and How to Achieve It

Compliance -- the very thought of implementing an HR "compliance system" typically strikes terror in the minds of HR managers and IT professionals alike. Attend this live webcast and learn what an HR "best practice" compliance system consists of, its benefits to your HR organization, and how to achieve it cost-effectively.

July 21, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time
August 18, 2011, 1:00PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time

Click here to register for this webinar or call 1-860-678-4401.