HR 2847, An Act making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, was passed by Congress and sent to President Barack Obama who indicated he will sign it March 18, 2010. The law, also called the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act or HIRE Act, allows employers who hire employees after February 3, 2010 (and before January 1, 2011) who were unemployed for sixty days in the period from February 3, 2010 to December 31, 2010 to not pay the employer portion of the social security tax (6.2% of taxable earnings). Employers must still collect and pay the employee portion of the social security tax. Additionally, the employer and employee portion of the Medicare tax must still be collected and paid for all employees. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not planning to change the Form 941 for the first quarter 2010 (the three months ended March 31, 2010). Credits for taxes paid in this quarter will be available on the Form 941 filed for the second quarter 2010. The credit amount would be treated as an additional payment for the second quarter 2010. Employers who employ such qualifying individuals for a fifty-two week period would also be eligible for a $1,000 credit against income taxes. Contact Vision Payroll if you have any questions on the new law.