Identity theft is one the fastest growing crimes in the Unites States. A prime target for identity theft is employee sensitive identifying information (EII) maintained by employers. Indeed, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), about 90 percent of business-record thefts involves payroll or employment records. This article provides some suggested steps to be taken by employers to reduce the chances of workplace identity theft and to minimize possible liability. EII management policies and procedures should be customized, however, with the assistance of the company’s legal counsel, to meet the unique needs and the legal requirements of the employers’ specific industry and activities, at both the federal and state level. [Contact Author]

Is your company in good standing? Don't throw away the green cards being mailed from the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office that look like junk mail. Recent changes to annual report process add on-line filing, but have gone unnoticed by many resulting in lack of good standing and even dissolution. Don't be one of the unaware. File on-line, by mail or in person and maintain your good standing. [Contact Author]

Recent legislation contains comprehensive changes to the federal tax laws governing nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The IRS has issued guidance that appears to provide a generous one-year grace period for brining existing plans into compliance. Don’t be deceived. Certain elections will have to be made by March 15, 2005 and regardless of when a plan is amended during the year, it must be operated in compliance with the new rules throughout the year. Amending a plan early in the year will provide a simple way for taxpayers to learn how to operate the plan in accordance with the new rules. [Contact Author]