Midyear Tax Planning Ideas
With the extended July 15 deadline for 2019 federal income tax returns behind us, it’s time to think about your tax situation for this year. Obviously, 2020 has been far from typical, and it is quite possible that this abnormal year has created some abnormal tax...
Court Finds Delayed Disclosure of Expert’s Complete Report ‘Substantially Justified’
Wright v. Old Gringo, Inc. In this discovery dispute, the defendants sought to exclude the plaintiff expert’s valuation report, arguing it was untimely and the late disclosure would hurt the defendants. In rejecting the defense motion, the court noted any delay was...
North Carolina Court Looks to Deal Price for Fair Value in Tobacco Merger
Reynolds American Inc. v. Third Motion Equities Master Fund Ltd. The importance of Delaware appraisal jurisprudence beyond state borders was on display in a recent fair value decision out of North Carolina related to a merger involving the tobacco giant Reynolds....
What Divorcing Homeowners Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every facet of life — including our relationships. Some reports indicated the stress of the crisis, combined with people's close and constant contact with their spouse might be to blame for some recent divorces. A divorce is a...
Is Your Company in Compliance with Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws?
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be at the top of most employers minds, it’s important to not forget important employment laws and regulations. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) is reminding employers to follow and be mindful of these major...
The IRS Releases this Year’s Top Tax Scams
The IRS compiles and shares a list of common tax scams each year. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic complicating tax matters in numerous ways, scammers are becoming more aggressive and sophisticated in their methods. Here are some of the scams you should look out...
Bill that Provides More PPP Flexibility Is Signed into Law
In the wake of COVID-19, Congress acted quickly to help mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Part of this action included the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to help small businesses sustain operations and keep workers employed. While...
Washington Appeals Court Issues Key Ruling on Entity Goodwill
McLelland v. Paxton In a “complicated” (court’s word) dissolution case, the Washington Court of Appeals recently made an important ruling on whether a professional limited liability company (PLLC) can have goodwill separate from the goodwill of the professionals....
COVID-19 Pandemic Poses Complex HR Policy Questions
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy and health of Maine, the country and the entire world. With the city of Portland instructing residents to stay home, and Governor Janet Mills ordering all non-essential business in Maine to close, both employers...
COVID-19 Relief: Overview of the New CARES Act
The fast spreading COVID-19 pandemic has forced the closure of many nonessential businesses — threatening the livelihoods of numerous small businesses here in Maine as well as the people they employed. In response to the economic and health impact of this pandemic,...