News Category: Corporate & Business Law
What Does the Corporate Transparency Act Mean to Me and My Business?
A few years ago, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. 5336 (“CTA”), which established certain required information filings with the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The purpose of the CTA is to create a national database of companies in the U.S. that identifies the people behind the companies (both owners and
Interested in an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Washington State? Be Sure to Research the Regulations for Compliance
In recent years, the interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has grown exponentially in response to housing shortages and affordability issues. The regulatory landscape for ADUs is dynamic and can be affected by changes at local, state, and/or federal levels. It is crucial for property owners and builders to be informed about the latest requirements
Business Obligations Under the Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted to enhance corporate transparency and combat illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. While the primary focus of the CTA is unearthing those involved in illicit activities, most businesses fall under the broad reach of the new legislation. With an effective date of January 1, 2024
Breaches of Fiduciary Duties in Closely Held Companies
In Washington State, closely held companies are those in which the ownership is concentrated among a small number of shareholders. These companies may also be family-owned or held by a group of individuals who have a relationship with one another beyond just being co-owners. While these companies may have a different dynamic than public corporations,
Legal Concerns of Real Estate in the Metaverse: Navigating the Virtual Frontier
The concept of the metaverse, a virtual world where users interact with digital environments and each other in immersive ways, has gained significant attention in recent years. With advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, the metaverse is becoming more accessible and has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including real estate.
Commercial Tenant Evictions and What You Need to Know in Seattle
Mayor Bruce Harrell officially ended the City of Seattle Civil Emergency Proclamation on October 31, 2022, which affects the requirement for landlords to negotiate payment plans with commercial tenants that qualify as a small businesses or nonprofit organization. Despite the end of the eviction moratorium and the lifting of the COVID-19 Emergency Orders, commercial landlords
Breaking a Commercial Lease: Things to Consider Before Termination
The world is transforming in the post-covid era and business needs are evolving as consumer habits change. These changes can directly impact the space where you conduct business and have you contemplating what to do about one of your business’ largest expenses. Whether your company is growing and in need of a new space to
When Animals Are More Than a Pet: Differences in Rights and Responsibilities for Service and Emotional Support Animals
What is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal? A service animal is a dog which has been trained to perform a specific task or to do work directly related to a person’s disability. Service animals perform a wide variety of vital services such as allergen alerts, seizure response, and hearing
Washington “Equal Pay and Opportunity” Now Means Job Postings Must Include Wage Scale or Salary Range
Beginning January 1, 2023, many Washington employers will be required to disclose the salary range and benefits in their job postings. Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761, amending the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act to require all employers with 15 or more employees to disclose the wage scale or salary
Warning to Washington Corporations: Refusal to Engage and Assist Customers in a Valid Dispute May Prove Costly in Court
In February 2022, Washington’s Court of Appeals for Division III reached a decision awarding attorney’s fees and costs for prelitigation bad faith in a matter of first impression for Washington courts. In Dalton v. North Cascade Trustee Services and U.S. Bank, the appellate court reversed the superior court’s judgment in favor of a homeowner in