To hire an employee in Pennsylvania, an employer must comply with several legal requirements.
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Equal Employment Opportunity: Pennsylvania law prohibits an employer from discriminating against an individual based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, or age. Employers are required to provide equal employment opportunities and cannot make employment decisions based on any protected characteristic.
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Required Forms: Employers must obtain certain forms from employees before hiring them. This includes a W-4 form for tax purposes, an I-9 form to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States, and an EEO-1 form for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
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Wage and Hour Laws: Pennsylvania requires that employers pay employees at least the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In addition, employers must pay overtime to non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay.
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State Taxes: Employers must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and obtain a tax ID number, as well as withhold and pay state income taxes for employees.
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Unemployment Compensation: Employers are obligated to pay unemployment compensation taxes for each employee who is eligible for such benefits.
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Workers' Compensation: Employers must provide workers' compensation insurance coverage to employees in case of workplace injuries or illnesses.
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Labor Laws: Employers must comply with various labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Employers who fail to comply with these requirements may face legal penalties and employee lawsuits. It is recommended that employers consult with an experienced employment attorney to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
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