More states are working on comprehensive consumer privacy laws that could impact how companies share data, there have been more ransomware and supply chain attacks and there’s news of a messaging app used as a Trojan horse by the FBI. My colleagues Kevin Scott and Donna Ruscitti explain in their August Privacy and Security Roundup.… Continue Reading
More than $800 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were approved over the life of the program that was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to support small businesses in payroll and certain non-payroll expenses during the pandemic. Some or all of the funds may be forgiven. My … Continue Reading
Last week, the CDC updated its guidance regarding masks for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. My colleague Jourdan Day explains the new guidelines for masks, social distancing, travel and what they mean for employers in this Employer Law Report blog.… Continue Reading
President Joseph Biden signed The American Rescue Plan Act earlier this month. The measure provides $1.9 trillion in funds for individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For employers, there are many key provisions to be aware of. My colleague Jyllian Bradshaw explains in this Employer Law Report blog.… Continue Reading
At long last, the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service published final regulations to explain how changes to Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) affect the deductibility (or lack thereof) of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to covered employees. For the most … Continue Reading
Most companies established or registered to do business in the U.S. do not have to disclose or report their ownership information—but that is about to change. The recently-enacted Corporate Transparency Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2021, requires certain companies to report their beneficial owner(s) to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement … Continue Reading
On Dec. 20, 2020, U.S. Congress authorized a second wave of COVID-19 relief by way of a second significant stimulus package. The bill was in limbo until it was finally signed into law a week later. The 5,593-page bill features enhanced unemployment payments and direct cash payments to Americans nationwide, and it also makes several … Continue Reading
Borrowers of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans – together with their affiliates – who have loans in excess of $2 million and seek loan forgiveness will potentially need to complete necessity questionnaires according to the Small Business Administration. There are separate forms for for-profit and non-profit businesses and will likely affect 52,000 borrowers. My colleagues … Continue Reading
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a limited and conditional exemption from broker registration for natural persons, referred to as “finders,” who seek to help non-reporting, private companies raise capital from accredited investors in exempt offerings, subject to certain conditions. Generally, persons who effect transactions in securities for the account of others cannot … Continue Reading
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released a long-anticipated procedural notice related to changes of ownership in an entity that has received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. While this guidance was released to all SBA employees and PPP lenders, it is relevant for PPP borrowers looking to undergo a change of ownership, as … Continue Reading
H.R. 8337, the stopgap government spending bill that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on Oct. 1, 2020, includes various amendments to the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) program. The AAP was expanded under the CARES Act and has allowed health care providers, namely hospitals, to receive an advance … Continue Reading
Ohio Gov. Michael DeWine signed House Bill 606 into law recently that addresses whether businesses reopening due to COVID-19 are subject to tort liability if an employee, customer, vendor or other person contracts COVID-19 while on the premises. My colleague Arslan Sheikh explains the law and what businesses it impacts in this blog on the Employer … Continue Reading
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted amendments to Rule 501(a), Rule 215 and Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act). These amendments are part of the SEC’s efforts to more effectively identify qualified investors and allow for expanded investment opportunities, while still maintaining appropriate levels of investor protections. My colleagues Jasmin … Continue Reading
Once a taxpayer reaches age 72 (or age 70 ½ if the taxpayer reached age 70 ½ prior to 2020), the Internal Revenue Code requires owners of most retirement accounts to withdraw minimum distributions (RMDs) from those accounts. To provide relief from the increased tax burden often associated with RMDs, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and … Continue Reading
An advantage of an inter vivos revocable trust, which becomes irrevocable upon the settlor’s death, is that the trust typically avoids all probate court filings. However, the lack of filings with the probate court can also be a double-edged sword for trustees who wish for a swift absolution of all claims associated with an irrevocable … Continue Reading
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is now closed to new applicants. While talks on extending or changing the program have stalled on Capitol Hill, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued 23 more frequently asked questions specifically related to loan forgiveness. These FAQs are contained in a separate list from the previously released FAQs last updated on June … Continue Reading
Although the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is still open to applicants, borrowers who received PPP loans earlier this spring are getting ready to request that their loans be forgiven, in whole or in part. Lenders are preparing for the influx of a new round of “paperwork.” However, many questions about the program remain … Continue Reading
“Force majeure” clauses are enjoying their day in the sun this year. Historically a boilerplate contract provision that excused performance in the event of some “act of God,” “war or insurrection,” or other unforeseen calamity likely never to occur, force majeure clauses were for years more frequently invoked by contracts professors and bar examiners than in … Continue Reading
Employers generally must withhold income taxes on behalf of employees based on where the employee works. Typically this determination is simplified by the location of the employer’s offices. The COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding stay-at-home orders have altered the working situations for most Americans. Employers must now consider the impact of employees working remotely and confirm … Continue Reading
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued two new borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications: the EZ Application and a revised Forgiveness Application. The changes come in response to the recent passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act as well as pressure to simplify the forgiveness process for borrowers. My colleagues Jack Beeler, … Continue Reading
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers across the nation have struggled to meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) guidelines, with many resorting to new and creative payroll expenditures to meet spending minimums and qualify for full forgiveness of the loan. On June 3, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed House Bill 7010, the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act … Continue Reading
Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve Board provided another update to the terms of the Main Street Lending Program that is intended to provide financing opportunities to small and medium–sized businesses. My Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin initially announced the details of the program on April 9, 2020. My colleagues Jack Beeler and Jack Meadows explain … Continue Reading
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Main Street Lending Program is expected to be up and running within days. The program is intended to provide financing opportunities to small and medium–sized businesses. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced details on the program on April 9, 2020 and updated the terms recently with a second set of FAQs. … Continue Reading
With many businesses opening back up again, many are pondering the question of how to screen for COVID-19. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released guidance allowing employers to test employees for COVID-19 under certain circumstances. My colleague Jyllian Bradshaw explains on this Employer Law Report blog.… Continue Reading
