On August 28, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2020-65 (the “Notice”) to provide guidance on implementing the employee payroll tax deferral contained in President Trump’s Presidential Memorandum of August 8, 2020. The Notice authorizes, but does not require, employers to defer withholding and payment of the 6.2% employee-paid Social Security tax on wages … Continued
Following enactment of New York’s COVID-19 sick law, Governor Cuomo signed into law on April 3, 2020 a separate and permanent statewide sick leave law (the “Law”). The Law adds a new Section 196-b to the New York Labor Law that requires private employers, regardless of size, to provide sick leave to their employees who … Continued
As part of its “New York Forward” reopening plan1 for “Phase II” businesses, New York State authorized office-based businesses (other than medical offices) to reopen on June 22, 2020; provided they meet certain “minimum” requirements in light of COVID-19. These requirements must be met for office-based businesses to reopen, as well as by office-based businesses … Continued
Selling a business involves significant risk and is something that most owners do only once in their lifetime. A seller must “do it right the first time” and avoid pitfalls that can result in a reduced number of interested buyers, a reduced sale price, unfavorable payment terms, a large at-risk escrow amount, or a deal … Continued
The U.S. Senate yesterday unanimously passed the House of Representative’s Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010), which now goes to President Trump for his expected signature. The Act’s significant amendments to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan program include the following: Borrowers have until December 31, 2020 to spend PPP funds. Borrowers can have … Continued
Last year the New York City Council by a vote of 40-4 enacted Int. 1445-A (the “Law”), which amends the New York City Human Rights Law to prohibit employers and staffing firms from pre- employment drug testing for marijuana and THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). The Law will go into effect on May 10, … Continued
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Cuomo signed into law on March 18, 2020 the New York COVID-19 Sick Leave Law, S. 8901 (the “Law”). The Law, which was effective immediately, requires employers regardless of size to provide sick leave to their eligible employees who physically work in New York State. The sick leave … Continued
In response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), President Trump signed into law on March 18, 2020 the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201 (the “Act”). This sweeping Act temporarily expands the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) relating to COVID-19, creates a temporary federal paid sick leave program relating to COVID-19, expands unemployment … Continued
On July 10, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed into law bills A. 5308-B and S. 6549 (the “State Law”) that amends New York State’s Labor law to prohibit, statewide, employers from inquiring about or relying on the salary history of a job applicant or current employee in determining whether to offer employment to an individual or … Continued
I. Increased Hourly Minimum Wage Rates as of December 31, 2019 As we previously advised, as part of the 2016-17 New York State budget, Governor Cuomo signed into law a staggered set of minimum wages increases that will over a period of several years increase the hourly minimum wage in New York State to $15.00 … Continued