What are THREE recommendations that you could give to Stone that might help reduce the “unfair” burden that the state unemployment compensation taxes are leveling on the Hilton Company?

Critical Thinking:  Chapter 5 – Reducing A High Unemployment Tax Rate

Overview:  These problems are meant to encourage deeper thinking on the material presented in the textbook. You are to answer ALL questions presented in the problem using the knowledge you have gained throughout the textbook. However, do not simply repeat what is in the book. Use that information and interpret it the best you can to apply it to the situation.

Requirements:  Review the information and questions below. Provide a detailed 4-5 sentence explanation on how you would solve the problem or issue, based not only on the readings in the chapter, but your own personal experience and/or any additional outside research you perform.  If quoting a source directly, make sure to cite that source, but do not rely solely on quoted materials.

Issue:  Over the past two years, Kermit Stone, the controller of Hilton Company, has been concerned that the company has been paying a large amount of money for state unemployment taxes. On reviewing the “unemployment file” with the head accountant, Deborah Murtha, he learns that the company’s tax rate is near the top of the range of the state’s experience-rating system.  After calling the local unemployment office, Stone realizes that the turnover of employees at Hilton Company has had an adverse effect on the company’s tax rates. In addition, after consulting with Murtha, he discovers that the eligibility reports that come from the state unemployment office are just signed and sent back to the state without any review.  The eligibility reports are notices that an ex-employee has filed a claim for unemployment benefits. By signing these reports “blindly,” the company, in effect, tells the state that the employee is eligible for the benefits. Any benefits paid are charged by the state against Hilton Company’s account.  Stone is convinced that the rates the company is paying are too high, and he feels that part of the reason is the “blind” signing of the eligibility reports. Besides this, he wonders what other steps the company can take to lower its contributions rate and taxes.

Question to be Answered:   What are THREE recommendations that you could give to Stone that might help reduce the “unfair” burden that the state unemployment compensation taxes are leveling on the Hilton Company?