Non-Essential Travel is Suspended On March 20, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security announced agreements with Canada and Mexico to restrict unnecessary travel across the borders shared with each country. Each agreement became effective on March 21, 2020 and remains in effect for 30 days (and may be extended). Unnecessary travel includes tourism or recreation, but the agreements do Read More »
On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), effective April 1 through December 31, 2020. The FFCRA seeks to assist employees impacted by COVID-19 and applies to employers with less than 500 employees and any covered public agencies. This summary is focused on the Emergency Paid Sick Read More »
On March 19, 2020, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the creation of a $500,000 fund to provide interest-free emergency loans to small businesses in the City of Syracuse that have been adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program will be administered by the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation ("SEDCO") and is intended Read More »
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that the filing due date for federal income tax returns would be automatically extended to July 15, 2020. The extension applies to "all taxpayers" including: individuals, corporations, trusts and estates, and other filers. Additionally, payment of income tax due has also been extended to July 15, Read More »
On March 17, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James announced that effective immediately, the State will temporarily halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State and referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection from March 16, 2020 through April 15, 2020. No application is necessary Read More »
New York State is acting swiftly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that provides paid sick leave to employees directly impacted by COVID-19. The law, which takes effect immediately, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees when they are subject to an Read More »
While the vineyard is still quiet and contemplating the end of winter, now is the perfect time for New York wineries to be considering succession planning. Are there family members ready for more responsibility? Key employees you want to reward going into the next harvest season and beyond? Are you at an age where Medicaid Read More »
In the wake of COVID-19 closures, the NY State Liquor Authority (the "SLA") issued guidance this week permitting on-premises establishments to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. The change was effective March 16, 2020 and continues until the SLA issues further guidance. Licensees do not need to notify the SLA or seek a waiver to begin Read More »
Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce that Christy Vouri-Misso has joined the Tax Practice Group at the firm. As a former Attorney Advisor to Judge Robert A. Wherry, of the United States Tax Court, Christy focuses her practice on all aspects of federal and state tax controversies and planning. This background gives her the unique ability Read More »
Municipal and governmental issuers and conduit borrowers (such as hospitals, colleges, universities and other nonprofits) are taking steps to address and mitigate direct and indirect risks and costs posed by COVID-19. Issuers and conduit borrowers should add continuing disclosure obligations to their growing checklist of items to address with respect to COVID-19 and its impacts Read More »