The SECURE ACT (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) was included as part of the massive December 2019 appropriations bill. The inclusion of the Act was a stealthy surprise, since most thought that it had been taken off the table earlier that year. For the most part, the new rules are effective for …
Down With PPPs? The Continuing Saga of the Payment Protection Program
No good deed goes unpunished. Aimed at providing a financial lifeline during the “stay home” world of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government flung the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) to the “small business” community. The PPP was one of several programs in the $2 Trillion CARES Act stimulus bill. President Donald J. Trump quickly signed …
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Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Modifies Paycheck Protection Program
On May 28, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “Act”) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. On June 3, 2020, the Act was passed by unanimous consent by the Senate. The Act now awaits signature by the President. The Act makes significant changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), …
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Spousal Tax Relief
Taxpayers should be aware that by signing a joint tax return with your spouse, you are jointly and severally (individually) responsible for any tax, interest, and penalties that arise from that return. The IRS can pursue collection from either you or your spouse (or former spouse). However, you may be absolved of part or all …
9th Circuit Affirms Decision Including Entire Value of GRAT in Decedent’s Gross Estate
On April 28, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued its opinion in Badgley v. U.S. In so doing, the Court affirmed a lower court determination that the entire date-of-death value of the assets of a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (“GRAT”) were includible in the settlor’s gross estate for federal estate tax …
June 30, 2020 Deadline Looms Large for Businesses with 2018 Net Operating Losses
As if business owners did not have enough to worry about in light of various deadlines of all types including when and whether to submit Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan applications, how to account for the use of the funds, whether to return the PPP borrowed monies and when and how to file applications for …
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Renewed Importance Of Interpreting And Drafting Force Majeure Clauses In Mining And Energy Contracts In Light Of COVID-19
Economic fluctuations bring about a number of difficult decisions for businesses operating in mining and energy industries in the form of staffing levels, production capacity increases or reductions, areas of expansion or contraction, supply chain challenges and overall business strategies. With the current rollercoaster that commodity prices are on, in light of the demand ebbs …
How Do I Handle a Sad Child During Drop Off?
Many people understand the difficult decisions and tough times the divorce process can bring. Problems after divorce, however, are often given less consideration. A common quandary with post-divorce parents is how to handle a sad child during drop off with the other parent. Often times, one parent will attribute the sadness to perceived deficiencies in …
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Esports in the Time of Physical Distancing
The COVID-19 virus pandemic has been the most disruptive event to impact the gaming industry in Nevada in the past 100 years. Not since Nevada outlawed gaming in 1909 has the state’s gaming industry faced compelled closure. In fact, in the years since Nevada brought back wide-open licensed gaming in 1931, Nevada’s casinos have never been …
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Canada’s Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CERCA)
On April 24, 2020, The Canadian Federal Government provided some details about the new Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (CECRA) for small businesses and commercial landlords. The CECRA was announced on April 16, 2020 to provide relief for small business tenants and, in some respect, landlords. Under the CECRA, the Federal Government will offer …
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