Recent Blog Posts
Employee or Independent Contractor? Understanding Employee Job Classification
It is essential for any employer to understand the differences between an employee and an independent contractor. Employers have the following tax responsibilities with regard to each employee: Calculate and withhold income taxes Calculate and withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes The factors used by the IRS in determining whether an employee is an… Read More »
Understanding Guardianship Issues in Washington, DC
As part of any comprehensive estate plan, a durable power of attorney should be executed to designate an agent who can make health care and financial decisions on your behalf in the event that you become unable to care for yourself. In fact, each person over 18 should create a durable power of attorney… Read More »
Optimism Down Among Small Business Owners
Our firm has substantial experience assisting business owners and operators create and cultivate their enterprises. For small business owners, confidence in the government has bogged down with the sequestration and a new report suggests a decrease in small business optimism after several months of improvement. In July, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)… Read More »
Keeping Corporate Records
While not usually an issue for larger and more established corporations, deficiencies in corporate recordkeeping create frequent problems for small and newly-formed corporations. It is quite easy for novice board members, shareholders and officers to view corporate meetings as mere formality — and to some extent they are. But it is these formalities that… Read More »
Hallmarks of a Good Contract
What constitutes a good deal is specific to your industry and the market conditions at the time. What constitutes a good contract, however, is universal. A good contract must balance clarity and flexibility — providing unambiguous solutions for common issues that arise and workable guidelines for contending with unanticipated problems. Boilerplate contracts simply do… Read More »
Reasonable Accommodation Basics for the Disabled
Reasonable accommodation is one of the most complicated concepts businesses must contend with under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, this complexity means that even well-meaning employers can find themselves facing substantial civil liability for misunderstanding the full scope and effect of this important provision. But the concept of reasonable accommodation also has limits… Read More »
Tax Treatment of Foreign Workers
While resident aliens working in the United States have tax obligations similar to those of citizens, employers and employees alike are often confused about their duties regarding non-resident temporary workers. But temporary workers do indeed have tax obligations in the United States — many of which are substantially more complicated than those of residents…. Read More »
Things to Avoid When Conducting Employee Interviews
Conducting interviews in a manner that allows you to gain insights into potential new hires is already challenging. But asking the wrong questions in an in-person interview or on a job application can also open the door for legal issues. State and federal laws strictly prohibit discrimination in hiring based on: Race/color Religion Gender… Read More »
Why It Is Important to Document Employee Discipline
Most employers and HR professionals do not enjoy disciplining employees. But, unfortunately, it is an important part of promoting quality and productivity. And while it may be tempting to offer employees second chances, it can create liability issues for your company if it makes your disciplinary policies appear arbitrary or, even worse, nonexistent. Uniform… Read More »
Interacting with Employees Who Have Filed Claims Against You
Many employers find it awkward and uncomfortable when they receive notice that a current employee has lodged an employment law complaint against them. This is especially true in smaller companies where employers have more personal relationships with their employees. Some employers unwisely take it personally. Others become overly tentative in their dealings with the… Read More »
