If you are an employee benefits administrator, you will likely face situations when an employee in the process of getting a divorce informs you that a court will be issuing a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Prepare yourself for this eventuality. A QDRO primarily establishes a spouse’s or ex-spouse’s legal right to receive a designated percentage […]
According to the American Bar Association (ABA): Gender-based wage discrimination remains a pernicious problem in the workplace despite enactment over 50 years ago of the Equal Pay Act (EPA), which made it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women in the same workplace who perform substantially equal work. Common explanations for the […]
You may be thinking about refinancing this year to take advantage of falling interest rates. Or you may have refinanced your home mortgage last year and have yet to file your 2018 return (because you filed an extension). Either way, there are important federal income tax implications. Here’s what you need to know. Deductions for Home […]
Today’s companies face a tremendous amount of pressure to win the best deals and contracts. In some cases, employees feel compelled to offer or accept bribes to clinch a business agreement. And in some countries, bribery is widely considered part of the cost of doing business. But such behaviour is unethical, and in some cases, can […]
When your business has delinquent debts, you may need help. Your law firm might be able to assist you in collecting money owed on past due accounts, unpaid promissory notes, judgments and other debts. In many cases, the prospect of legal action by a law firm results in quick recovery of money owed to your company, […]
Virtual currency has gone mainstream. AT&T recently announced that its customers can use Bitcoin to pay their phone bills. Other big companies that accept Bitcoin include Microsoft, Expedia and Overstock. Competitors likely will follow suit. However, using virtual currency has tax implications that may surprise you. Here are answers to some FAQs on this subject. What Is […]
On September 6, 2019, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) announced a new program that grants relief to certain individuals who renounced their U.S. citizenship or who may do so in the future. Under this procedure, qualifying persons who renounced U.S. citizenship after March 18, 2010, can avoid the imposition of otherwise applicable taxes, interest […]
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. Keep in mind: The better organized you are, the better you can manage your affairs, support claims on your tax returns, and be […]
There is generally no one legal structure that works best for all businesses. The most favourable choice depends on a number of factors, including the number of owners, your tax situation and whether or not you have employees. A limited liability company (LLC) may be a good choice because it provides flexibility, low maintenance, favourable tax […]
Is your business part of the global economy? If not, it may be losing out on some revenue- and value-building opportunities. However, “going global” obviously isn’t as simple as snapping your fingers and tapping into new markets. And it isn’t necessarily right for every business. Here are several challenges the international marketplace can bring, along with […]
Income tax treaties with two key U.S. trading partners received long-awaited updates that went into effect as early as August 30, the Treasury Department announced last week. The two protocols, amending U.S. treaties with Japan and Spain, were negotiated during the Obama administration but had been held up for years in the Senate over taxpayer […]
Jury consultants play an important role in many highly publicized cases. But they are also used in lower-profile legal cases. If your lawyer wants to hire jury or trial consultants, you may wonder, “What can they do to help me?” Here’s a rundown of how jury consultants assist attorneys in some trials. Pretrial strategy. Picking a competent […]