As recommended by the California Employment Development Department, employers can refer to guidance in various topic areas, including withholding taxes and unemployment insurance, in the California Employer's Guide, DE 44.
The US Department of Labor (DOL) provides employers the Model Salary Basis Policy for Exempt White-Collar Workers as an example of a salary basis policy that will meet the requirements of the "safe harbor" provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under the "safe harbor" provision, employers that inadvertently make improper deductions from the pay of exempt employees can shield themselves from overtime liability if they adopt a salary basis policy and take other steps.