Yearly Archives: 2011
The New Law on Home Improvements
While the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) has been in effect since July 1, 2009, it appears that not all contractors who perform home improvements have complied with the Act and that not all homeowners are aware of the new law. This… Continue reading
PA Lawmakers Help Developers by Extending Permit Deadlines
In July 2010, the Pennsylvania legislature adopted a law that extends until 2013 the expiration date of all building permits and other authorizations or decisions allowing a development or construction project. Permits, authorizations and decisions in effect as of January 1, 2009 or after are… Continue reading
The Roth IRA Conversion Window – for You?
The Roth IRA is a retirement account created under the Internal Revenue Code. It has some of the very desirable attributes of and differs significantly from the “traditional” IRA. The Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars (as opposed to pre-tax dollars which fund the… Continue reading
Unemployment Compensation – The Basics
In difficult economic times, the Pennsylvania program for Unemployment Compensation becomes a lifeline to persons who lose their jobs. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry maintains an Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits to supervise the unemployment compensation safety net. Essentially and basically, the program… Continue reading
Presume At-Will Employment with Exceptions
Pennsylvania is an “employment-at-will” state. The employment-at-will doctrine provides that, unless certain exceptions apply, the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship for any reason or for no reason at any time. Generally, no cause of action will exist for wrongful discharge for… Continue reading
The Queen’s English The Verbs To Lie (down) and To Lay
The verbs to lie (as in recline) and to lay are vexatious in their grammatical challenges. It is improper to say “I am going to lay down” or “Yesterday he laid on the hammock.”; and yet it seems that more often than not in ordinary… Continue reading
There’s No Place Like Home (For Your Business)
Local zoning laws have long recognized the right of individuals to conduct a business in their homes, typically called “home occupations.” However, different municipalities have defined what business activities constituted home occupations differently, the typical list including professions and other businesses that have historically been… Continue reading
Protecting Our Hershey Bar!
In an action filed in the US District Court in Harrisburg (Hershey Co. v. Williams Sonoma, Inc.) the Hershey Co. has asked the Court to enjoin any further sales of a brownie pan sold by Williams Sonoma, Inc. Hershey claims that the dimensions of the… Continue reading
Time to Buy (or Sell) a Business?
ith the economy beginning to rebound, now may be the perfect time to buy or sell a business. Interest rates are low, consumer confidence is on the upswing, and prices have adjusted to the new economic realities. We handle many business acquisitions each year of… Continue reading
Reminder: Some 2010 Income Tax Credits
Income tax deductions are good; if you are in a 30% tax bracket and receive a $100 deduction, that’s $30 saved. But tax credits are great! For a $100 tax credit, you put $100 in your pocket, irrespective of your tax bracket. Congress has created… Continue reading