WASHINGTON — A debate between the White House and the Treasury Department over President Trump’s payroll tax suspension has delayed crucial information about how the executive order will be carried out, according to people familiar with the matter, leaving businesses across the country uncertain about how to proceed. The delay in releasing guidelines about the tax suspension comes amid broad business backlash to the idea, which was announced by Mr. Trump this month after talks with Congress over another economic relief bill stalled. The executive order aims to stimulate the economy by allowing companies to stop withholding payroll taxes until the end of the year, putting more money in workers’ pockets. Many companies are expected to opt out of participating to avoid sticking their employees with a giant tax bill next year. The White House, which is eager to push through a tax cut before the November election, wants the Treasury guidance to ensure that companies, not workers, are held liable for paying the employee portion of the tax when the tax holiday ends.

Source: New York Times August 27, 2020 21:00 UTC