My techs are paid flat rate. How do their hours count?
The federal full-time test counts hours of service, and full-time means an average of 30 or more a week, or 130 a month. For techs paid by the job, keep a record of the hours they are actually at work, and ask your advisor how those hours should be counted.
How do I keep good techs from leaving for a dealership?
Ask your techs what they would value most. Health coverage, disability coverage for a job that is hard on the back and hands, paid time off and a retirement plan are the usual answers. A clear plan you can afford every year beats a rich one you have to cut.
What changes if I open a second shop?
Your headcount grows, and federal rules start at set sizes: COBRA at 20 employees, the health coverage rule at 50 full-time employees. Ask your advisor whether shops under common ownership count together.
Where these facts come from
- IRS, identifying full-time employees (opens in a new tab)
- IRS, determining if an employer is an applicable large employer (opens in a new tab)
- HealthCare.gov, CHOICE Arrangements (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Department of Labor, COBRA (opens in a new tab)
- CMS, Affordable Care Act implementation FAQs, set 16 (waiting periods) (opens in a new tab)
