Tag Archives: incentive payments

IRS Says Class Action Settlement Incentive Awards in Wage Based Claims Are Taxable As Wages

On March 15, 2013, the IRS issued a private letter ruling responding to a request for a determination of whether incentive awards paid to class representatives under a settlement agreement resolving a class action suit against an employer under the Fair Labor Standards Act were wages for employment tax purposes.  In the Ruling, the IRS … Continue Reading

Disproportionately Favoring the Named Plaintiffs Kills Settlement, Says Sixth Circuit

The Sixth Circuit recently limited defendants’ ability to craft settlements that disproportionately favor the class representatives.  Vassalle v. Midland Funding LLC, — F.3d –, 2013 WL 673517 (6th Cir. Feb. 26, 2013).  Though the court did not pass on the ubiquitous incentive award, its skepticism of “preferential treatment” for class representatives might cause district courts … Continue Reading
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