Samuels Law Blog - Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP

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Treasury Department Releases Additional Guidance on Paycheck Protection Program

Michael Walker April 9, 2020 No Comments

On April 8, 2020, the U. S. Treasury Department updated its “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that is being administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). While this document was previously issued by the Treasury Department, it has been updated to address some of the questions that borrowers and lenders have raised as lenders have been inundated with applications for the forgivable loans under the PPP. Congress is currently considering allocating another $200 to $250 billion to the PPP.

Contracts, Coronavirus, and Force Majeure: How Does COVID-19 Affect Contract Obligations?

Van White April 6, 2020 No Comments

When I was a first year law student I learned about contract formation, contractual obligations, and breach of contract. We also learned about a term called Force Majeure. You may have recently seen the term.

Force Majeure is a French term that means something along the lines of “superior or irresistible force”, but it is also a term used in conjunction with contract law. In the context of contract law, force majeure is an uncontrollable event that prevents a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Force majeure is commonly thought of as a provision included in the terms and conditions of a contract. But, because “uncontrollable events which prevent a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations” seldom occur, especially on a wide spread basis, force majeure provisions aren’t invoked very often.

How to Prepare for Bankruptcy

Nicholas Rogers April 6, 2020 No Comments

This sudden economic downturn will cause a large number of individuals and corporate entity debtors to consider bankruptcy in order to get a better handle on their financial situation. While many associate declaring bankruptcy as an admission of failure or destitution, bankruptcy can actually offer debtors a path toward recovering from a devastating financial situation. When considering whether bankruptcy is the right option for your situation, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how bankruptcy works and the initial actions you should take should you need to proceed with bankruptcy.

U.S. Treasury Releases Paycheck Protection Program Loan Application, Additional Information

Michael Walker April 1, 2020 No Comments

On March 31, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department released the initial loan application for borrowers under the “Paycheck Protection Program,” a Small Business Administration (SBA) forgivable loan program that is part of the CARES Act passed by Congress last week. In addition, the Treasury Department provided borrowers with an “Information Sheet” for borrowers under the program.

Multnomah County Presiding Judge Issues Child Custody and Parenting Time Orders During COVID 19 Pandemic

Christine Costantino March 31, 2020 No Comments

Last week we wrote about the State Family Law Advisory Committee (SFLAC) recommendations for custody and parenting time issues that may arise during this COVID 19 pandemic. Since that post, those recommendations have been adopted in a Court Order as of March 27, 2020 issued by Presiding Judge Stephen Bushong and Presiding Family Law Judge Susan Svetkey of the Multnomah County Circuit Court. This Order applies to any person who has a court-ordered parenting plan in a Multnomah County Circuit Court case that is still in effect.

COVID-19: Changes in Federal Tax Law You Need to Know

Michael Walker March 30, 2020 No Comments

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last few weeks have seen an unprecedented series of legislative actions by Congress, as well as a number of significant administrative actions by the Internal Revenue Service. Here is a brief synopsis of federal tax extensions and changes due to COVID-19.

Initially, the IRS only offered a payment deadline extension in response to COVID-19, but after much pressure, the IRS in response has instead provided much more comprehensive relief to mostly taxpayers in the U.S.

All taxpayers refers to: individuals, trusts, estates, (some) partnerships, associations, companies (including LLCs), corporations, nonprofits, and more that have a filing date of April 15, 2020.

The COVID-19 Oregon Special Session

Valerie Sasaki March 30, 2020 No Comments

For those of you who are following the Oregon Legislature’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect the Governor to announce a special session in

Changes to Charitable Giving Limits in the CARES Act

Valerie Sasaki March 29, 2020 No Comments

The newly passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) contains two provisions that will be of interest to folks who want to help their communities this year. Section 2104 creates an above the line deduction of up to $300 for contributions made in 2020. This is important because after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) a couple years ago, many folks no longer itemize, which means that they are not eligible to receive a tax benefit for the charitable deductions that they make over the course of the year. So, if you now claim the standard deduction, individual taxpayers can claim a deduction for the amounts up to $300 that they donate to charity. They don’t let you double-dip though, so if you itemize, you would claim your deductions on Schedule A as usual.

Family Law Experts Issue Recommendations for Co-Parenting During Pandemic

Emily Clark Cuellar March 27, 2020 No Comments

Lots of families are struggling with how to best protect and parent children as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, divorced parents may have additional concerns, such as “Is it safe to allow my children to travel to their other parent’s house for parenting time?,” “How can supervised parenting time continue if it was usually held at a restaurant?,” and “When is spring break, anyway?”

While each family may decide to approach these issues differently, the Oregon Statewide Family Law Advisory Committee (“SFLAC”) has issued recommendations for families who cannot reach their own agreements. Some common issues are addressed.

Creative (and free!) Options When You Can’t Hit the Gym

SYK March 27, 2020 No Comments

We have a few free and fun ways to get moving and out of your head when you can’t get out of the house.

The recent Stay-at-Home order issued in Portland, Oregon has many of us adjusting to the new day to day life of remote work. It can be a hard balance when your work and home life all take place in the same building. Remember to take a few minutes for yourself and your mental wellness – stretch, or engage in a form of exercise you enjoy.

Though we are still able to go outside for walks and recreation (allowing for 6 feet of distance), Portland weather isn’t always so accommodating. If you’re in need of a creative way to move, but don’t have the space for an at home gym, we have a few suggestions.

Congress Passes CARES Act, Adds Forgivable Loan Program for Small Businesses

Michael Walker March 27, 2020 No Comments

Late in the evening on March 25th, the United States Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) by a vote of 96-0. The House passed the Act on Friday, March 27th. President Trump is expected to sign the Act very soon. While SamuelsLawBlog.com will provide additional details on the CARES Act in the coming days, here are additional details of the Act’s significant $349 billion expansion of the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Section 7(a) loan program.

COVID-19: Resources

Valerie Sasaki March 26, 2020 No Comments

We’re getting a lot of questions right now about what resources are out there for individuals and businesses. I recommend taking a look at this comprehensive list that Representative Blumenauer’s office is developing and maintaining, for a start.

Senate Bill Provision Offers Hope to Small Business

Michael Walker March 24, 2020 No Comments

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Senate is currently debating S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the “CARES Act.” It is estimated that the CARES Act could provide a $1 to $2 Trillion stimulus in economic aid to both businesses and workers.

While multifaceted, one provision sets forth a significant benefit to small businesses that can apply for forgivable loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Family First Law & What It Means

Tim Resch March 23, 2020 No Comments

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides, among other benefits, emergency paid sick leave and emergency family medical leave to employees affected by COVID-19.

There are many facets of the emergency law with complex details. Below is a brief overview of the major changes that many employers must consider during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to contact an attorney for more details regarding the requirements specific to your situation.

Mnuchin Announces Deadline to File Extended by Tweet

Valerie Sasaki March 20, 2020 No Comments

In a tweet at about 10 am Eastern Time this morning, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced “We are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.”

Extension: 90 Day Extension to Pay Taxes

Valerie Sasaki March 17, 2020 No Comments

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced today that individual taxpayers will now get a 90 day extension of time (through what Excel tells me is Tuesday, July 14, 2020) to pay 2019 income taxes, up to $1 million owed. Corporate filers will get the same period of time to pay up to $10 million in taxes owed. During the period of time from April through July 14, taxpayers will not be subject to additional interest and penalties on amounts due for 2019. Individuals and businesses will still have to file their income tax returns by April 15, unless they file a request for extension.

A Letter to our Clients: COVID-19

Tim Resch March 16, 2020 No Comments

To our clients,
As we all continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we wanted to share the proactive steps we, as a firm, are taking to ensure the health and safety of our clients, professionals, staff, families, and community. While we are following the rapidly changing health related guidelines and recommendations to help mitigate the Coronavirus’ impact, we are committed to offering the best legal representation to our clients, in the most health conscious way possible.

ODR: Rules for Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT)

Valerie Sasaki February 7, 2020 No Comments

The Oregon Department of Revenue has posted a schedule of public meetings on its website. These meetings are intended to provide information to business taxpayers and tax professionals about the recently-adopted Temporary administrative rules for Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT). We encourage all business owners who anticipate having more than $1 million in gross receipts to learn about this new tax system in Oregon, which will not only apply to corporations.

They have also posted new FAQ’s on their website relating to how the CAT will apply to: (1) wholesale sales made for resale outside of Oregon and (2) the retail and wholesale sale of groceries.

Oregon Legislature Corrects Procedural Hurdle in ORS 124.100(6) for Financial Elder Abuse Claims

Darlene Pasieczny July 11, 2019 No Comments

The National Adult Protective Services Association reports that 90% of financial abusers are family members or trusted others. And financial abuse is vastly under-reported: it is estimated that only one in 44 cases are reported to state protective services. Estimates of financial elder abuse and fraud costs range from $2.9 billion to $36.5 billion annually.

The attorneys at Samuels Yoelin Kantor watch for legal changes that may affect our current and future clients. A new Oregon law, effective January 1, 2020, should help vulnerable Oregonians that have been victims of abuse by making it harder to dismiss civil actions for abuse under ORS Chapter 124. This chapter of the Oregon Revised Statutes is also known as the Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act (“Act”).

Donor Advised Funds – SYK Attorney Featured in Portland Business Journal

SYK June 24, 2019 No Comments

SYK attorney Anastasia Yu Meisner is a sought after source of knowledge in the area of charitable planned giving. Recently, she put pen to paper for the Portland Business Journal, sharing her knowledge about tax reform, and how it will make donor-advised funds a more popular tool for charitable planned giving.