We’re Keeping Score: Test Your Numbers Savvy

By Mike Yoder, Chief Executive Officer

Baseball fans know that Jackie Robinson was No. 42 for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Here in Indiana, we know who No. 18 is. Forty-seven means something to Star Trek fans, and 4 8 15 16 23 42 is important to Lost viewers. Paper, literature or fire aficionados know to what 451 refers. And 3.14 means something to you if you paid attention during high school geometry class. But what do 15, 20, 50, 55.5, 3,100, 6,250, 17,000 and 110,100 mean? In the HR and benefits world, these are good things to know as we enter 2012. Take this multiple choice quiz to test your HR intellect. (Answers appear at end of quiz.)

1. The new annual 401k or 403b maximum contributions.

a. 15   b. 20   c. 50    d. 55.5  e. 3,100 and 6,250   f. 17,000   g. 110,100

2. The number of employees needed for Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act and many other federal laws to come into play.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

3. The number of cents that the IRS suggests as the standard business mileage reimbursement rate.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

4. The new maximum taxable earnings for Social Security in 2012.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

5. The number of employees required in a 75-mile radius for the Family Medical Leave Act to apply to an employer.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

6. The new annual Health Savings Account contribution maximums.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

7. The number of employees needed for the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and COBRA to come into play.

a. 15    b. 20    c. 50    d. 55.5    e. 3,100 and 6,250    f. 17,000    g. 110,100

These numbers change, so it is always a good idea when you are turning your calendar to make a note of the new numbers. Happy New Year and happy counting!

Answer Key

1. f. (This number is up from 16,500 in 2011.), 2. a., 3. d., 4. g. (This number is up from 106,800 in 2011.), 5. c., 6. e. (This number is up from 3,050 and 6,150 in 2011.), 7. b.