News - Page 10 - Ledford & Associates

New federal rules give airline passengers more rights

November 26, 2024

As holiday travel ramps up, it's time to review the new federal rules governing refunds for travel disruptions. The rule was announced in April 2024 to make it easier for airline passengers to get refunds for cancelled or significantly changed flights.

Federal judge overturns new overtime rule

November 25, 2024

'A lump of coal' for US employees: Federal judge overturns new overtime rule.

The Department of Labor rule was set to go into effect in two phases. On July 1, 2024, the minimum salary for salaried employees (also known as exempt employees) increased from $35,568 a year to $43,888 a year. On January 1, 2025, it was set to increase to $58,656 a year.

Tax Breaks: The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Band Edition

November 21, 2024

A FinCEN representative acknowledged that only about 20% of the millions of businesses that need to report have filed. The deadline for most of us? Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States before January 1, 2024, must file by January 1, 2025.

New Michigan laws target high-tech vehicle theft devices

November 19, 2024

With the new laws, legislators are trying to keep up with technology and made it a crime to possess, use or intend to use advanced technology, such as computers or similar devices called AutoProPADs, to help steal vehicles, particularly those with push button starts.

The devices — which officials say are used legitimately by locksmiths and those working at dealerships to program a blank key for an owner who lost their key fob — now are being used by people and groups stealing vehicles by programming key codes for unauthorized access, literally within seconds.

BOI - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirement

November 18, 2024

If you own one or more businesses registered and operating in the United States, you are now required to report your company's "beneficial ownership information" to the federal government under a regulation that went into effect on January 1, 2024. If your business was incorporated (corporations) or organized (limited liability companies) before January 1, 2024, you have until the end of 2024 to report to the federal government. If your business was created in 2024, you must immediately make the report (technically, it was required within 90 days of when it was created, if it was created in 2024).

I am offering a limited time discount to anyone who desires to hire my firm's services for purposes of making the report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. I will make this report on your behalf for a flat fee of $300.00*, if you contact my office in the month of November, 2024.

You must act soon, as there are significant civil penalties and potential criminal penalties if you fail to comply on time.

*This discounted price applies to companies with 5 or fewer persons in "substantial control" of the company; I will offer a further discount if I am filing reports for more than 1 such entity. For entities with more than 5 persons in "substantial control," I will bill at my regular hourly rate.

Please contact me at my office: 616-257-3300 or via email: [email protected]

Posted In: Business Law, Federal Law, Paul Ledford’s Opinions

6 Bills Signed Into Law

November 14, 2024

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she signed six bills into law on Wednesday. Included are House Bill 5598 and House Bill 5599, addressing real estate fraud and updates penalties for those who violate the law. Victims often have to spend thousands of dollars on legal fees to win back their homes.

Ordinance 'Right to Sit' passed unanimously by Ann Arbor City Council

November 13, 2024

Workers in Ann Arbor now have a "Right to Sit" on the job. The rule grants local workers the right to sit down on the job, as long as it doesn't interfere with their work duties. Ann Arbor is the first city in Michigan to pass this type of ordinance.

Electronic Filing Scam Targets Attorneys

November 7, 2024

Attorneys across the country are being targeted with fake electronic filing notifications, in which emails purporting to come from the federal Judiciary’s Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system lead recipients to a malicious website with computer viruses.

According to the IT Security Office for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the fake Notices of Electronic Filing prompt recipients to reply immediately. Recipients are then sent an email containing a link to access fake case documents that direct users to a malicious website.

Google defeats lawsuit over gift card fraud

November 5, 2024

A federal judge dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit accusing Google of illegally profiting from Google Play gift card scams by refusing to refund millions of dollars stolen from victims.

U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman said the plaintiff Judy May lost money because scammers induced her to buy gift cards, and failed to show that Google caused her losses or knew it was receiving stolen funds.

JPMorgan Chase settles five enforcement cases, to pay $151 million

November 1, 2024

JPMorgan Chase will pay $151 million to settle five U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement cases, including accusations that the largest U.S. bank made misleading disclosures to brokerage customers, the regulator said on Thursday.

The settlements include $61 million of civil fines and $90 million of reimbursements to customers. JPMorgan did not admit or deny wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlements.

Michigan Laws Making News

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