Business Fraud Prevention
Updates
Commercial Law
DOs and DON’Ts to Help Avoid Collection Problems
Many companies run into problems with customers or clients not paying their bills on time — or not paying at all. The best way to avoid uncollectible bills depends on several factors — such as whether you sell products or services and the type of payment practices that are customary in your industry. For example, […]
Timely Opportunities
5 Employers Found to Violate Federal Labor Laws and Regulations
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) recently issued news releases announcing actions taken against five companies that were investigated for various violations of laws and regulations. The cases involve violations of wage, overtime, tip, meal break, recordkeeping, temporary visa and other rules. Case 1: Specialty Grocery Store Must Pay Workers Overtime […]
Timely Opportunities
Do You Owe SE Tax on Home Rental Income?
If you rent out a second home — or part of your main residence — you may be unclear about whether you need to pay self-employment (SE) tax on your net rental income. In fact, the federal tax rules on this topic are somewhat confusing. The IRS recently published guidance on this issue that may […]
Estates
The Importance of Earnestly Organizing Documents
The paper trail that follows us throughout our lives includes records that track births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions — among other life changing events. Personal records also document purchases, investments, assets and home improvements. Organizing records may not be the most enjoyable task, but it gives you a full picture of your finances and […]
Business Law
A Checklist When Closing a Business
There are many reasons why business owners decide to permanently close their doors. Perhaps the owners launched a company as friends and the relationship has soured over time. Or maybe the owners are ready to retire and have no plans to sell their company, pass it on, or merge with another business. In many cases, […]
Timely Opportunities
Resist the Urge to Purge after Filing Your 2022 Tax Return
The statute of limitations for the IRS to audit your tax return is typically three years. It begins on the later of: 1) the due date for your tax return or 2) the date on which you file your taxes. While the general rule for retaining federal tax records is three years, it’s often prudent […]
Timely Opportunities
Ways to Secure Your Estate Plan
Estate planning isn’t just for the rich and famous. For example, you may have family heirlooms (such as jewelry or artwork) or real property that has sentimental value to certain family members. Wills and trusts can help ensure that your estate is divvied up fairly after your passing. But you won’t be around to explain […]
General Litigation
The Limits of a Successful Daubert Challenge
In the wake of a 1993 Supreme Court case, challenges against expert witnesses have found greater success. In that case, two minor children and their parents alleged in a lawsuit that the children’s serious birth defects had been caused by the mothers’ prenatal ingestion of Bendectin, an antinausea prescription drug marketed by Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals. […]
Intellectual Property